Kenya Simbas back-rower Bethuel Anami is set for a return to France after securing a move to US Tours Rugby.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsAnami will join the team which competes in Fédérale 1, the fifth tier of the French rugby union league system. The division sits below Top 14, Pro D2, Nationale 1 and Nationale 2, with clubs competing in regionalised pools during the regular season.Why Strathmore Leos' Patrick Kluivert went against the grain to play rugbyUS Tours are placed in Pool 1, with the top-performing sides advancing to the championship playoffs for the Trophée Jean-Prat and the opportunity to earn promotion to Nationale 2.The club has a rich history, having competed in France’s First Division between 1951 and 1954. US Tours also reached the second level of French rugby during the professional era and played in Pro D2 before relegation following the 2001-02 season.##NAJAVA_MECA_9930427##After spending 14 years battling through the lower amateur divisions, the club eventually climbed back to Fédérale 1, where Anami will now continue his career.The move marks Anami’s return to France after previously featuring for Fédérale 2 side Maisons-Laffitte, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, and Poissy (MLSGP), following an earlier stint with Stade Caennais RC.“I almost gave up” – Eddy Wambugu opens up on injury that nearly ended his careerBefore heading back to France, Anami reunited with Strathmore Leos and recently helped the Varsity side claim the Ruff n Tuff 7s title.Strathmore edged Nondies RFC 15-14 in a closely contested final at Ngong Racecourse, with the tournament serving as the curtain-raiser to the National Sevens Circuit.##NAJAVA_MECA_9930179##His return to Strathmore represented a full-circle moment for a player whose rugby journey began in December 2012, when friends introduced him to the sport.Football had initially been Anami’s first love, but his outlook changed while he was a student at St. Peter’s Mumias. He realised rugby could provide an avenue to secure a scholarship and, in turn, help ease the financial burden on his family.Paul Mutsami highlights stark difference between Kenyan and Ugandan rugbyUnder coaches Libondo Shimenga and Eric Chebutala, Anami quickly developed into one of the school’s standout players.He helped St. Peter’s Mumias win the National School Games Rugby Sevens title before making history by contributing to the school’s East Africa School Games Sevens triumph.His performances attracted the attention of Strathmore Leos through a scouting opportunity facilitated by Mitch Ocholla. The move also came with a scholarship that enabled Anami to pursue a Commerce degree.##NAJAVA_MECA_9930459##During his first spell with the Leos, he enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, winning the Floodlit Varsity title in 2019 while also being named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Top Try Scorer.He went on to play a key role as Strathmore secured promotion to the Kenya Cup and subsequently reached the competition’s semi-finals in successive seasons.Jone Kubu opens up on red card ordeal that kept him out for 4 monthsThose performances paved the way for his first move to France, where he gained valuable experience in the French club system.
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