September 2023 marked a significant milestone for University of Eldoret (UoE) Trojans’ player Alvin Abuto as he transitioned from his local club to join Switzerland-based Hermance Region Rugby Club.Moving from the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Championship league to playing in a top division in a foreign country has been a challenging journey for Abuto.##NAJAVA_MECA_8180844##Adjusting to a completely new environment also posed challenges both on and off the field. The differences in play style, cultural norms, and lifestyle in Switzerland required significant adaptation.”Playing in Switzerland is really great, but it has its challenges like harsh weather, and it was really hard to adapt at first,” Abuto shared.Despite these challenges, Abuto expressed gratitude for the kindness and warmth of his new teammates and coaching staff.”I have learned a lot of things from this side. Coming from a team in the championship, UoE, and not being able to play in the Kenya Cup, landing here and playing in the top division is amazing. I have gained more game knowledge, more experience on how to play my role on the field, and more confidence. If I compare when I joined to now, I’m still learning more as time goes by,” he said.Abuto’s first season with Hermance Region Rugby Club has been remarkable. The team reached the semifinal stage of the Championship league and made it to the finals of the Swiss Cup, where they defeated RC Yverdon to be crowned winners. He expressed satisfaction with their achievements, despite the challenges.”This being my first season with my team, I can say we have performed well. We got knocked out in the semi-finals of the championship league, which was heartbreaking. On the good side, we won the Swiss Cup,” he remarked.Shujaa land tough opponents in ParisWith the taste of success still fresh, Abuto remains focused on achieving more in his rugby career. He also aims to share the knowledge he has gained with the next generation of players. “My target is to achieve a lot in rugby, learn more about the game, be open if I get other opportunities, and also to pass knowledge and opportunities to others,” he concluded.About Hermance Region Rugby ClubNicknamed ‘Dragons,’ HRRC was founded on December 15, 1971, by Yves Laboure, who was its first president. The club initially had members from various communes in Switzerland and neighboring French villages.As it expanded over the years, local officials and regional personalities began supporting its development. It secured its own ground in Hermance, France, and with the help of its members, they transformed salvaged buildings into changing rooms and a clubhouse. It was there that the club was renamed Hermance Region Rugby Club.Today, the club boasts over 200 members, with the highest population being children. The side’s legacy includes a total of 12 Swiss Champion titles and nine Swiss Cup titles.Kenya 7s learn opponents ahead of Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens Tournament
