The face of Shujaa's jig at World Rugby Sevens legs

Jeff Oluoch. [AFP]

He has captained national Under-19 15s team

Oluoch stands out as the main figure of Kenya's glorious moments at World Rugby Sevens Series.

When Shujaa wins a match at any of the World Rugby Sevens Series, the national squad does a popular dance routine.

And Jeffrey Oluoch, the utility player, stands out in the jig. He has dominated the world stage with his impressive dancing style which is unforgettable even during the coronavirus pandemic.

Yes, his is not as popular as New Zealand's Haka but his moves have helped the national team in a big way. Oluoch believes dancing helps players relax and relieves tension and they get re-energized before matches.

“I love dancing. It creates a happy environment. You have to be happy to enjoy playing. Dancing keeps the team on toes, especially during a high pressure match,” he said.

The 25-year-old Oluoch, a Homeboyz RFC winger, made an impressive debut at the World Sevens Series in 2016 scoring over 150 points.

Oluoch was born and bred in Chemelil in Kisumu. 

“I was in Chemelil Sugar Primary School then moved to MM Shah Primary School in Kisumu and then to Nanyuki Primary School where I played basketball and football,” said Oluoch. He is the sixth child in a the family of seven.

In 2009, he joined Nyabondo High School where he was a key player in the basketball team. A year later, he developed a soft spot for rugby.

“While in Form Two, the school rugby teacher approached me during the inter-classes rugby games and asked me to play for my class which was one player short.

“After the games, the rugby coach, who liked how I played, asked me to start training with the team,” he said.

Unfortunately, Oluoch’s progress crash-landed in 2012 after he was transferred to Nanyuki Garrison School which did not offer rugby.

“The school never participated in rugby and I was introduced into the game with the help of a few other students and we made it to provincials. From then, there was no rugby until I finished high school,” he said.

After completing Form Four, he started training with Nanyuki Jackals, a club in Nanyuki which enabled him make the national team in 2014.

Oluoch then made his national team debut with the Under-19 national 15s team, then coached Paul Murunga. He captained Kenya to Elgon Cup glory against Uganda in 2014  and then Homeboyz signed him up.

In 2015, he made debut at the Kenya Sevens when Benjamin Ayimba was the coach and he made his maiden appearance in the World Sevens Series in Dubai.

"I always wanted to be a great player and at least represent my country in international tournaments. I played with determination in every game to uplift my family,” Oluoch said.

The 25-year-old was part of the team that collected 100 plus points in the World Series which was the best showing and going into two finals.

He captained the Morans to Safari 7s glory in 2018 and took part in the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia as well as the Sevens World Cup in San Francisco, USA.

Murunga, his coach at Homeboyz, says: “He has the physique and talent and can play in different positions," he said.

Homeboyz finished third in 2019-2020 Kenya Cup season, booking a quarterfinal playoff place against Oilers and Oluoch is keen on steering them to their maiden Kenya Cup title.

“Winning the Kenya Cup will be an achievement. We have had our ups and downs."