Kenya has produced many rugby stars but none of them has come close to matching Andrew Noel Amonde's achievement both at the club and national team levels.
Amonde has attained almost everything there is to be achieved in Rugby 7s.
The exciting flanker who made his debut at the 2006 South Africa sevens has won numerous titles with the Kenya national sevens team (Shujaa) and KCB Lions rugby club.
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Amonde was appointed Kenya 7s skipper in 2012, a position he held for over 8 years making him the longest-serving Shujaa captain.
He helped Shujaa to qualify for the 2013 Rugby Sevens World Cup, leading the team to a fourth-place finish. Amonde was also part of the Kenya 7s squad that took part in the 2018 Commonwealth Games
At the club level, Amonde was brilliant at winning titles with KCB Lions. He recently helped the bankers to finish second in the just concluded National Sevens Circuit.
Amonde played an instrumental role in Kenya's historic 2016 HSBC World Sevens Series triumph in Singapore. He helped Kenya defeat Fiji 30-7 to bag their maiden title.
The television producer-cum-rugby player also helped Kenya rugby 7s qualify for their first Olympic Games in 2016.
The 38-year-old announced his retirement from club rugby 7s on Monday, July 18, 2022, a few weeks after retiring from the national side.
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“I am truly honoured to have been part of this unbelievable team. The 2022 National Sevens Circuit marks an end to my participation in the 7’s version of the team,"
"Considering the change of squad across the different legs in this circuit, we have achieved an incredible fete," Amonde was quoted by The Standard.
Amonde who is nicknamed “The Beast” revealed that he intends to venture into the coaching profession.
"Following my retirement from rugby sevens, I look forward to beginning a new journey as a member of the technical bench both for my club KCB and the national team. With my wealth of experience in the game, I also want to help the youngsters who are rising through the ranks to also achieve success," stated the powerful winger.
Amonde who has played over 70 tournaments around the world was awarded a Head of the State commendation by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2019 for his exemplary service in Kenya 15s and 7s. The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) also feted Amonde with an achievement award in 2022.
Breakdown of Amonde's Shujaa career
Games played -358
Tries scored - 64
Points - 320
Carries - 528
Clean breaks - 62
Tackles - 369 (highest in Kenya's history).
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