First in Africa: Injera’s world try record chase

After scoring a brace of tries to guide Kenya Sevens to a historic victory over World Rugby Series defending champions Fiji 30-7 on Sunday, more history beckons for speedster Collins Injera.

Injera’s exploits in Singapore brought him to within five tries of leading try scorer Santiago Gomez, who has 230 tries. He could surpass the Argentine’s tally over the last two legs of the Series in Paris and London next month but the star has downplayed the impending feat.

It is however yet to be known how Injera will celebrate in case he is to achieve the try scoring world record, following his world-famous camera-signing incident in London.

SIGNED CAMERA LENS

The try genius, who made his debut in rugby sevens back in 2006, notched up his 200th career try on day two of the 2014/2015 London Sevens, albeit amid controversy after he signed a camera lens worth $85,000 (Sh8.5 million) in the heat of celebrations.

The milestone earned him some worthy column inches and recognition from his peers, but it was the celebration that followed which made Injera an Internet sensation.

After touching down, Injera whipped out a felt pen and headed for the nearest television camera. Before the cameraman realised what was happening, Injera was already signing his lens!

The YouTube clip of the incident clocked up 400,000 views on the ‘World Rugby’ channel.

“I didn’t know it would go that big,” said Injera. “I knew going into London I needed one try to reach the 200th mark and it was tough to come by.
“The first game, against England, was hard and in the second game I thought I would score but didn’t.

DIDN'T SCORE

“On that first day, I wore a T-shirt with the words ‘First in Africa’ under the shirt but went a whole day without scoring. On day two, my teammates said that must have been the reason why I didn’t score, so I took it off.

“I had a marker pen and my plan was to sign the ball. I hid a marker pen in my sock.

“I decided to go into the game and just play, not think about the 200, and as soon as I began to enjoy the game I scored.

“I signed the ball and then found myself in front of the camera and it felt like the right thing to do to thank all the fans back home for their support.
“I had no idea it was going to be that big!”

Having allowed a summer to let the dust settle on that moment at Twickenham, the 29-year-old is now back in full stride on the 2015/2016 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. He has 209 tries, 11 behind England legend Ben Gollings, 21 behind Gomez, and has looked in good form across the first two rounds.

But how does the Kenyan superstar feel about chasing the record?

FOCUSING ON THE GAME

“I could be within five tries range but I’m not really focusing on that but on how to end the season on a high as a team in Paris and London, having set the benchmark in Singapore Sevens,” said Injera, who only scored one try in Hong Kong heading to Singapore.

Injera recalled that after Biko Adema was injured in training in Hong Kong he had to become the playmaker and help out inexperienced Samuel Oliech in ball distribution at the back.

“The Olympics is my major target, God willing…we want to make that history in style,” said Injera. “There is no pressure since what we want now is a good rest.”