Brian Tanga, the fleet-footed scrum-half from Kabras RFC and a familiar face in Kenya Sevens circles, has revealed the harrowing story behind his return to rugby; a neck injury so severe it once threatened to end his career. His journey from darkness back to the training pitch is a testament to grit, expert care, and the stubborn optimism of an athlete who refused to quit.
The Moment That Changed Everything
The injury struck during the Dala 7s quarterfinal on 18 September 18, 2025, when Tanga collided in a tackle that left him struggling with balance and blurred vision. What followed was an extended, uncertain exile from competitive rugby as specialists probed the damage and the young playmaker fought to reclaim his body and mind.
A Gruelling Road to Recovery
Tanga’s rehabilitation was not a neat, linear climb. He described months of consultations with neurosurgeons and painstaking rehab that tested him physically and emotionally.
“The healing journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve visited many neurosurgeons, and while their efforts have brought me to this point, it has certainly been a challenging process,” he told Mozzart Sport.
At the low point he feared the worst. Yet steady progress — and the unwavering support of teammates, coaches and medical staff — rebuilt his confidence. “At first, I feared it might be the end of my playing career, but thank God I’m still here. I’ve been training for the past two months, and the progress, both mentally and emotionally, has been incredible,” he said.
A Voice for Player Safety
Tanga has used his ordeal to sound a clear warning about head and neck injuries in rugby. His message is blunt and urgent: prioritise recovery over a rushed return.
“Head injuries are serious. If you suffer one, take a break. Don’t rush back into action; your health comes first. Rugby will always be there, but your recovery is the priority,” he urged, turning personal pain into public counsel.
He also acknowledged imperfections in care while expressing gratitude to the specialists who supported him. “Not all neurosurgeons are perfect, but I’m grateful for the care I’ve received; they’ve helped me tremendously and continue to support my recovery,” he said.
Looking Ahead and Missing the Nairobi SVNS Opener
Despite the progress, Tanga will miss the HSBC SVNS Division II opener at Nyayo National Stadium on 14–15 February, a blow for fans hoping to see his return on home soil.
Samuel Asati of KCB Rugby will step in as scrum-half as Kenya faces the USA, Uruguay, Germany, Belgium and Canada in the six‑team event.
The Division II circuit then heads to Montevideo and São Paulo, with the top four across the three events earning a shot at the SVNS World Championship and a chance to battle Division I sides for promotion to the 2027 season.
Gratitude and a Promise
Tanga closed with a message of thanks and determination.
“To all my fans, thank you for your support. I’m coming back soon,” he said; a short sentence that carries the weight of months of struggle and the promise of a comeback. For now, Kenya Sevens and the wider rugby community watch and wait, inspired by a player who turned a near‑career‑ending scare into a story of resilience.
