Impala, Saracens strike partnership

In what could change Impala RFC’s fortunes in the coming years, the club has entered into a three-year partnership with English side Saracens and Resolution Insurance.

While the nitty-gritty of what the partnership entails will be disclosed at a grand launch in February, Impala chairman Oduor Gangla described the new development as a symbiotic relationship that will revitalise the club.

“What all our sponsors are looking for is not only an excellent rugby side but also moulding players who can mentor young people beyond the playing grounds,” said Gangla.

The detailed exchange programme will see Saracens provide technical support with either Impala coaches visiting the home of the English Premiership side or the side sending expertise in Nairobi.

The programme started in earnest late last year when Saracens dispatched one of their IRB Certified Level III coach, Owain Owen to Impala during the December break.

“They will second another coach who should arrive mid February,” said Gangla adding that several talented and promising players will be selected for high performance training at Saracens Academy in the United Kingdom.

EXHIBITION MATCH
Gangla said their utility back Vincent Mose will feature for Saracens this Saturday in an exhibition match against Sharks from South Africa in London.

With Impala set to join the Saracens Global Network, which comprises eight clubs from UK, United States of America, Brazil, Malaysia, China and Abu Dhabi and Tonga, there is a potential of the conglomeration securing sponsors.

“We shall enjoy a large mix of technical and commercial arrangements as a unit than when we are separate entities,” said Gangla. “This will form a clear pathway for our players to play professional rugby, sharing of technical resources and join procurement.”

By making their renewed long term commitment, Gangla said Resolution Insurance, who have sponsored Impala for the last 10 years, has again shown its enthusiasm for rugby.

BENEFITS

Their sponsorship will include cash, medical insurance sports scholarships, and various player-centric aspects that transcend rugby including mentorship and community involvement programmes.

“Resolution will take up some of our qualified players on either internship or employment based on merit,” said Gangla.

Gangla said they require an estimated Sh 20m to run the club in a season through paying players and coaches’ allowance and salaries, travelling and purchase of equipment. “We also have an academy that Standard Chartered is helping us run it,” explained Gangla.

Saracens is a professional club that is currently leading in the English Premiership.

Impala have won the Kenya Cup rugby league title 10 times but they last clinched the diadem  in 2009.