Try! Try! Try! Collins Injera now all-time World Sevens Rugby top try scorer

Kenya's Collins Injera runs with the ball during a HSBC Paris Sevens Series rugby match between Kenya and Portugal at the Stade Jean Bouin in Paris on May 13, 2016. PHOTO | THOMAS SAMSON |

What you need to know:

  • Even though Kenya Sevens lost to France 12-29, that didn’t remove the shine from Injera’s exploits
  • Cora’s record had stood since 2009 when he scored as Argentina edged out England 19-14 to lift USA Sevens in San Diego.
  • Kenya had earlier beaten Portugal 22-17 before losing to Scotland 12-24 dropped to Bowl.

Kenya Sevens utility back Collins Injera celebrated a milestone on Saturday when he scored at the death against France at London Sevens to become World Rugby Sevens Series all-time highest try scorer with 231 touchdowns.

Even though Kenya Sevens lost to France 12-29, that didn’t remove the shine from Injera’s exploits as he was set up by elder brother Humphrey Kayange at the in-goal area to make the historic try that surpassed Argentina coach Santiago Gomez Cora’s all-time record of 230.

Cora’s record had stood since 2009 when he scored as Argentina edged out England 19-14 to lift USA Sevens in San Diego.

The 29-year-old Injera, who operates as a winger, but occasionally drops to centre and scrum-half positions, went down on his knees with his arms aloft to thank God at the Twickenham Stadium.

He then rose for a warm hug from Kayange, took off his jersey number 11 before dashing to the stands to hug his parents Mr and Mrs Wilfred Emonyi, then handed them the jersey.

Injera returned to the ground to warm congratulations from the rest of the Kenyan and French players.

“It’s a great feeling and a milestone since I started playing rugby,” said Injera. He started playing the game while at Vihiga High School where he graduated in 2005 before joining defunct Ulinzi RFC and then his current Mwamba RFC.

He added: “Twickenham has always been special for me.”

It’s at the same arena where Injera scored his 200th try last year for his controversial signature on an expensive the camera lens. The images went viral on the Internet.

“I want to thank my family who have been there through this journey and my teammates for their support,” said Injera adding that they may not have won the match but their victory in Singapore gave them a good build up ahead of Rio Olympic Games in August. “I am sure we can do it in Rio if we peak at the right time again.”

INJERA ON THE SPOTLIGHT

Kenya had earlier beaten Portugal 22-17 before losing to Scotland 12-24 dropped to Bowl.

All eyes were on Injera at the kick off against France but it was Pierre Gilles Lakafia who sprinted down to plant under the post before Steeve Barry and Damien Cler crossed the line too to lead 19-0 at the break.

Vakatawa and Arthur Retiere scored to take a 29-0 lead. Kenya mounted a late rally with captain Andrew Amonde touching down before Kayange helped Injera make history.

Injera had landed twice to level Cora’s record even as Kenya lost to Scotland 12-24. With Kenya trailing 0-19, Kayange broke clear before laying Injera to score his 229th try. Kenya got a penalty inside Scotland’s 22m as Injera gave it a quick tap before weaving through to score and equal Cora’s feat.

Against Portugal, Oscar Ayodi scored a braces as Kenya Sevens rallied from 5-17 at the break to tame Portugal 22-17.