The Kenya Rugby League is the official governing body for rugby league in Kenya. Established in 2014, it oversees the sport’s development, including the Kenya RL Premiership, which is the country’s top-tier competition. In recent years, the organization has grown in international stature, particularly with its elevation to Affiliate membership by the International Rugby League (IRL) in 2023.
The Kenya Rugby League was first granted Observer status by the European Rugby League in November 2021, and since then, the sport’s profile in the country has steadily increased. Looking ahead, Kenya is making ambitious strides, notably bidding to host the 2028 Women’s and 2030 Men’s Rugby League World Cup .
Domestic Competitions
Kenya Rugby League Premiership
The Kenya RL Premiership is the premier domestic rugby league competition in the country. Teams compete annually for the national title, showcasing Kenya’s rising rugby league talent. The current teams participating in the league include:
- AP Warriors
- Centurion
- Knights
- Ngong
- Rhinos
- Ruffians
- Sharks
- Wolves
Kenya Women’s League
The Kenya Women’s Rugby League is another important competition that contributes to the development of the sport in Kenya. The teams participating in this league include:
- AP Warriors
- Wolves
National Team and International Ambitions
The Kenya national rugby league team represents the country in international rugby league competitions. The team is currently striving to qualify for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup, marking a significant milestone as Kenya’s first appearance in this prestigious tournament .
With the country’s rugby league program gaining momentum, the national team is hopeful of breaking onto the global stage, pushing Kenya’s rugby league ambitions to new heights.
Future Prospects
Kenya Rugby League’s efforts to host the 2028 Women’s and 2030 Men’s Rugby League World Cups are indicative of the growing interest and potential of rugby league in the country. These bids, if successful, would bring considerable international attention and further elevate the sport’s profile in Kenya and across the region.
As rugby league continues to grow in Kenya, the sport’s future looks promising, with continued domestic growth and an increasingly competitive national team working towards international qualification.
