KCB forward Brian Nyikuli has retired from active rugby at the age of 36 after a 19 year career run.
The former Simba's captain announced his retirement on Tuesday, December 7, days after the 2021/22 Kenya Cup match day two action.
The KCB forward last played on matchday one as KCB Rugby picked an 18-10 win over Homeboyz Rugby. His retirement comes after spending four years at the den where his side won three Kenya Cup titles.
The forward started his rugby at Kakamega High School and went on to join Kenya Cup side Impala Saracens. Nyikuli also featured for Kenya Harlequins 2012- 2014 and was part of the side that won the league unbeaten.
He also played for Kabras RFC and Strathmore Leos.
In his 19 years of playing, he won seven Kenya Cup titles. He also represented Kenya 7s and Kenya 15s. For Kenya 7s, Nyikuli played 117 matches and scored 20 tries totalling to 100 points for the side. He also captained the team.
He won the Rugby Africa Cup title with Kenya Simbas in 2013 following a 29-17 victory over Zimbabwe Sables in Antananarivo. Nyikuli captained the Simbas to the best ever placing in the World Rugby ranking (position 22nd in 2016, upto 40th.)
He took on social media to announce his exit from the game. In his post he thanked His teammates, coaches and clubs he has played for as well as his family.
He pointed out that his decision to retire was the second hardest thing to do after the passing of his late mother.
He also thanked all the coaches and players who he played with in the many clubs that he played for in his 19 year career.
“I have dreamt, eaten and lived rugby all my life and it baffles me that after 19 years curtains have to fall. I thank God for blessing me with this talent that has made me reach greater heights and for always pushing me to levels beyond my reach,” his statement read.