Grace Adhiambo journey from the dusty grounds in Nakuru to Paris lights

The lights at Racing 92's training base in Paris, France shine against the evening sky, throwing long shadows on the emerald turf.

Boots pound and whistles rent the air; in the middle of it all stands a figure whose presence commands attention not because she is the newest recruit but because she looks like she has always belonged there.

Grace Adhiambo Okulu, Kenya's Lionesses fly-half and captain, has finally stepped on the European stage.

From the dusty grounds of Nakuru to the famed blue and white jersey at Racing 92 hers is not just a journey across continents, but it is a story of persistence and a dream that refuses to die.

"For me, joining Racing 92 is about progress in my rugby career; it is an opportunity I have been eyeing for quite some time now and I am super excited and happy at the same time," said Adhiambo.

Her move was never about luck or agents pulling strings.

It began on the road far from Kenya and France in the middle of a 10s tournament in the USA.

"I heard about it (Racing 92) from a fellow player at the 10s series in the USA and she asked me,'Grace, would you like to play with me in my team? I was quite excited, I told her yes of course I would love to, of course the management had to watch my games before deciding," she recalled.

That casual invitation turned into a life-altering transfer, setting her on a path that would carry her from African pitches to the elite of French women's rugby.

Adhiambo recently led Kenya's Lionesses in their quest to reach the World Sevens series, a dream that was disappointingly shattered despite dominance in the  Challenger Series where they won both Cape Town legs and topped the standings with 56 points.

Their promotion hopes were dashed when World Rugby revised the SVNS format cutting core teams from 12 to 8 and confining them to Division II even after qualifying for the Los Angeles playoffs. Adhiambo describes the setback as one of the lowest moments of her career.

"I honestly had high hopes of qualifying for World Sevens Series and then that dream again was shattered just when we were about to make it happen. I do not  know why they had to change it but I know that every team deserves their reward after a good performance," she said. 

But setbacks never defied her, she shrugs them off with a resilience that has become her trademark.

"I think if you can dream it you can touch it. Never limit yourself because one thing did not go as planned. Facing challenges is bound to happen but how you tackle them matters," she said.

Her choice of the sport raised eyebrows even at home.

A fourth born in a family of 10 siblings, she is the only one who chose the oval ball while the rest of her family and even her parents were firmly rooted in football.

"I am the only one who plays rugby in my family; the rest are into football. Mum and Dad too, but I just want to keep them private," she said.

Against all odds she carved out a path of her own. Rugby became not just her sport but a calling.

Her first introduction to rugby came in Class 5 at Free Hold Academy in Nakuru when a schoolmate dragged her to try it out. That single decision would rewrite her destiny.

"Nakuru is where I started my rugby career, which will forever be in my heart. I learned a lot there and that is why I can be here today. They supported me in every aspect to make sure I excelled in both," she said.

Former Nakuru RFC coach and age-grade development coach Felix Oloo, commonly known as Mwalimu, played a foundational role in Adhiambo's rugby development by integrating her into the Nakuru RFC age-grade program, an initiative he spearheaded as part of his broader grassroots outreach in Nakuru.

Through this program, Oloo provided young talents like Adhiambo with structured training, exposure and pathways into competitive club and national setups ultimately enabling her rise from local age grade to the Kenya Lionesses and the global stage.

Nakuru RFC, fondly known as Wanyore, took to social media to celebrate their former captain's milestone.

"Our very own Captain Grace Adhiambo has officially signed with racing 92, from living on the field to flying the Kenyan flag high in Paris, this is history we are proud we are hyped and we are backing you all the way, Wanyore to the World," the club posted.

For the club's Director of Rugby Edward Moseti this was more than just a transfer.

"This is the highest a Kenyan lady rugby player has gone, it encourages us to continue with our project of developing girls rugby talent.Grace has been standout player ever since she was young. She is a good leader, a role model and we are proud to see her inspire the next generation," said Moseti.

Even as she settles in Paris, Adhiambo's heart beats for Kenya.

"Of course, yes, I will be playing for the Kenya Lionesses," she said. Wearing the national jersey for her is not a choice but a duty.
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‎Adhiambo's story is already inspiring girls across the country; her message to them is direct and personal.

"To the younger me out there, do not give up on life. Sometimes we fail and fail again to the extent of losing hope, but even if you lose do not lose the lesson learned it can only get better. And the best support system is you being willing to accept and not be too hard on yourself," she said.