Many see a buffed up boy, but who exactly are you?
My name is James Kubasu and I am 23 years old. I am currently a loosehead prop (formerly a backrow) at Resolution Impala Saracens. I went to Makini School, Strathmore School and Strathmore University (in that order) and I am currently at the Kenya School of Law.
If you drew a map of your rugby journey, how would it look like?
I first trained at Impala in December 2010 but had been a fan from as far back as 2008. I joined what was Impala III which was similar to the Academy but not structured in quite the same way as it is now. I later formally joined the club towards the end of 2011 after completing my high school studies and played most games of the 2011-12 Kenya Cup season for the Boks and a few games for the Gazelles. I then joined Stratmore Leos when I joined the University and now I’m glad to be back.
Having risen from the academy, are there lessons you learnt?
Having been in the quasi-Academy set up (I say quasi because it was a bit different from the Academy we now know) was very useful for me because it was the first time I was exposed to the club culture. It really boosted my confidence going back into my final year in high school on top of really sharpening my basic skills. The culture and the cameraderie was one of the reasons why I was always drawn back to the club.
Are there any rugby career highlights you are extremely proud of?
Being called up to the Kenya XVs squad was definitely a career highlight for me. It was definitely a dream come true (though in my dreams I always imagined I’d be called up as a number 8). It is a privilege and I’m grateful to the selectors for showing their faith in me but I also appreciate the management and players at Impala Saracens because it wouldn’t have happened without the hours of work we put in at the club.
What do we expect from you now that you received a nod to the Simbas?
A test debut would be absolutely fantastic. It would be an absolute honour to represent my country and I’m working hard to put my hand up for selection.
Is there a player within the Kenya XV that you look at and say – ‘I want to emulate that one’?
Anyone I would like to emulate at Kenya XVs? Haha. You’re putting me on the spot there aren’t you? At the moment I would have to say Moses Amusala. Largely because he is very experienced at my position and is often willing to share some of his insights on how to play there at the highest level. But all in all the lads in the team have been great both on and off the training pitch.
Are you happy running ball with the rest of the Simbas Pride?
At the moment I can say the conditions at the national team are very good. Everyone there believes in one another so it’s very easy to feel at home and express yourself. The management team is also very approachable which makes it easier for purposes of communication. Compared to the club setting perhaps the only differences for me is the intensity at training and the emphasis on perfecting the basic skills. At Kenya XVs the intensity is a bit higher because test matches are played at a higher pace and intensity and there is greater emphasis on the basic skills. Other than that I think the club environment has been just as condicive for rugby.
In case you are offered a chance to play against Germany, will stage fright overcome you?
When the coach gives me the nod to play I always take it as though it’s a show of trust. My target is usually to make sure I don’t betray that trust by putting in the best effort that I can. So in my case any time I’m on the field my target is to dominate in the scrums and have as many positive carries as I can.
You know you have to become better than the stalwarts in your position. Do you have a plan in mind?
About beating other players to the jersey all I can say is that for me it’s always about putting my best foot forward both in the game as well as in training. There’s a lot of competition for places internally which pushes all of us to improve. To maintain whatever edge I might have at the moment it’s important not to just improve on my weakenesses but on my strengths as well. And for that it’s just about hard work. No two ways about it.
You might have ‘made it’ to the national squad, but are there players who still inspire you?
Favourite local and international players?Locally I would have to say Paul Mutsami from Impala. The kid has some unbelievable skills and probably showed me that I’m no longer a backrow. Internationally I’d have to say Dane Coles because he’s redefining what it means to be a front row forward.
Are you afraid of any opponents?
Anyone I’m scared to play against? Nobody really. But I respect all my opponents.
This sport is semi pro in Kenya. Academics are important as well. What is your plan for the future?
On rugby, studies and future plans, I’d probably say it’s always difficult balancing the two but it’s something I just have to do. This year has been particularly busy because of the international commitments, studying both CFA and doing Kenya School of Law. It’s a tough balance but at the moment I’m confident I have the right balance. As for my future plans I would really like to enter the investment industry using the skill I will have gained both as a CFA and an Advocate.
Will this be the first and last time we probably see you donning the Kenya XV jersey?
Will you see more of me in the rugby scene. To be honest it’s almost impossible to keep me away from rugby. I’m enjoying my rugby at the moment and I’d love to continue playing for as long as possible (maybe I can play at 40 like Moses Kola).
