Patrice Agunda named new Kenya Harlequins head coach

Kenya Harlequin have confirmed the appointment of Patrice Agunda as the new Head Coach.

Agunda replaces Paul Murunga, who was relieved of duty after his three-year contract expired on May 1, 2025.

Patrice takes over immediately ahead of the 2025 National 7s Circuit and the 2025/2026 Kenya Cup season.

The club legend, who is a respected leader, brings fresh energy, strategic insight, and a deep understanding of the team culture, having worked in several roles over the last four years.

He has been part of the technical bench and previously worked as a skills coach, 7s coach, and was part of the 2024 National 7s Circuit championship-winning team.

He also worked as an assistant coach, and until his appointment, he was the Head Coach for the Quins Women’s team, where he led them to the semifinals in their first season.

In 2024, Agunda participated in a high-level coaching exchange programme with the Japanese National Rugby Team.

“I’m honoured to take up this role. We have great potential, and I’m ready to build on our legacy,” said Agunda.

Before his coaching career, Patrice had a long and successful playing career in both Fifteens and Sevens. He played for Kenya Harlequins for 15 seasons, five of those as captain.

He won three Kenya Cups (2008, 2010, 2012), three Rugby Super Series titles (2010, 2011, 2012), an Enterprise Cup (2009), and the National 7s Circuit (2012).

Patrice was inducted into the Kenya Harlequin FC Roll of Honour in 2014. He represented Kenya in both Fifteens and Sevens at all representative levels: senior squads, U20s (Vice-Captain), and U19s (Vice-Captain).

With the Kenya Simbas, he won several Victoria Cups and Elgon Cups. He was Vice-Captain of the Elgon Warriors (East Africa Regional Team) in the series against English Counties in 2021.

He played five seasons for Shujaa, including in the World Rugby Sevens Series (2011–2015), reaching the semi-final of the 2013 Rugby 7s World Cup and the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

He won several trophies with Shujaa, including the Safari 7s, Africa Cup 7s, Amsterdam 7s, and Abuja 7s.

Kenya Harlequin Chairman Victor Sudi said Quins RFC has a long tradition of developing high-level, professional rugby coaches for club and country, and they were pleased to announce Agunda as their coach.

“Four years ago, we embarked on a focused strategy to conscientiously prepare our next-generation coaches. We are delighted that Patrice takes over as our new Head Coach and wish him and his team the very best,” added Sudi.