Veteran Kenya 7s star Collins Injera retires from rugby

Through a post on social media, Injera said he had to listen to his body after months of deliberating whether to call it quits.

“Everything must come to an end, sometime. I have always said that I will know it’s time because my body will tell me. And for the past few months, it has really ‘spoken’ to me so, finally, I have decided to listen to it. As hard as this is for me, after 17 years of literal blood, sweat and tears, it’s time to step away from this great game that has given me so much more than I could ever ask for,” he wrote.

His decision to hang the boots comes just two weeks after he became the 12th person to be inducted to Fiji’s Rugby Town Walk of Fame.

The 36-year-old star is Kenya's all-time World Sevens Series top try scorer and second highest try scorer at the World Sevens Series with 271 tries.

The star who rose from junior category to become one of the most decorated rugby players in the world , has represented Kenya in the two rugby versions and his retirement brings down the curtains to a career spanning almost two decades with numerous accolades achieved along the way.

Injera helped Kenya win her maiden tournament in the World Rugby Series in Singapore in 2016 scoring the famous last minute kick that took Shujaa to the Main cup final where they stunned Fiji 30-7.

While thanking his family, teammates and coaches, the legend now says he will spend more time with family to make up for the long hours and days spent while chasing his dream.

“It's now time for me to spend much needed quality time with you. Thank you mum, dad and Linda, for all the prayers, advice and support. My brothers, Tall and Mike, we did it! We managed to play together both locally and internationally. To all my teammates, coaches, management and opponents, thank you all for the memories we have created both on and off the field. We have shared some very high and low moments together. Thank you for being part of my journey and helping me achieve my dreams.”

Former Kenya Sevens head coach Mike Friday was quick to thank Injera for his services to the game noting he had good memories from his tenure as Shujaa tactician.

Through his Twitter handle, Friday said “It was a pleasure to hunt with you Kolo - Helluva career and you made Kenya proud. Enjoy the next chapter and the 3 wise men, you have earned it. Big Love.”

However, it is not clear whether Injera will continue wearing the Mwamba RFC shirt.

“Thank You for the memories Collins, and thank you for the on-field battles every time we played Mwamba RFC. Enjoy your retirement,” Kenya Cup side Menengai Oilers tweeted.