World Rugby has named three Kenyans—Edwin Teya, John Ojara, and James Absaloms—to its esteemed Citing Commissioner’s Panel, marking a major milestone for Kenyan rugby officiating.
The appointments pave the way for the trio to serve as citing commissioners at elite men’s and women’s international test matches globally, a role critical to maintaining the integrity of the sport.
For Edwin Teya and John Ojara, the recognition is the culmination of years of dedication to officiating both local and international rugby at various levels.
Their selection, alongside James Absaloms, underscores World Rugby’s confidence in the skill and professionalism of Kenyan match officials.
John Ojara expressed both pride and humility at the announcement. “I am incredibly honoured and excited to announce my appointment by World Rugby as a Citing Commissioner for an upcoming top-tier women’s international rugby match in July 2025,” he said.
This will mark his first major assignment at the highest level since earning his World Rugby accreditation in 2022.
Reflecting on his journey, Ojara noted that while he has been active in officiating local 15s and 7s matches and lower-tier internationals, this new role represents a significant leap forward.
He credited the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) for its ongoing efforts in capacity building across all areas of the game. “The KRU’s investment in training and development is paying off—not just for players and coaches, but for match officials too,” he said.
The appointments signal a new chapter for Kenyan rugby, with local officials now stepping confidently onto the global stage.
