Kenya Harlequin FC has announced the appointment of former Kenyan International Patrice Agunda as head coach ahead of the 2025 National 7s Circuit and the 2025/2026 Kenya Cup season replacing Paul Murunga.
Harlequin ,one of Kenya’s most storied rugby institutions, announced Agunda’s promotion in a move that signals both continuity and fresh ambition for the team.
Agunda is no stranger to the Harlequin setup, having served in various coaching roles over the past four years, including skills coach, 7s coach-where he contributed to the 2024 National 7s Circuit championship win-and assistant coach.
Most recently, he led the Kenya Harlequin Women’s team to the semi-finals in their inaugural season, further cementing his reputation for nurturing talent and fostering team cohesion. Agunda also brings international experience, having participated in a high-level coaching exchange with the Japanese National Rugby Team.
In his statement, Agunda expressed honour at the appointment and optimism for the club’s future: “We have great potential, and I’m ready to build on our legacy.” His playing career is equally distinguished, spanning 15 years with Kenya Harlequins-five as captain-where he won three Kenya Cups and several other titles.
Agunda represented Kenya at all levels in both Fifteens and Sevens, including the national team (Shujaa) in the World Rugby Sevens Series and the 2014 Commonwealth Games. His leadership and experience saw him inducted into the Kenya Harlequin FC Roll of Honour in 2014.
Club Chairman Victor Sudi highlighted the club’s long-term commitment to developing high-level coaches from within, noting that Agunda’s appointment is the result of a focused strategy to nurture the next generation of rugby leaders. “We are delighted that Patrice takes over as our new Head Coach and wish him and his team the very best,” Sudi said.
By Samson Jura
