Former Kenya Harlequins scrum-half Cornelius Mokoro has revealed that adapting to life in Poland has been relatively smooth even as he settles into a new chapter of his professional rugby career with top-flight side, Posnania Poznan.Mokoro recently signed a two-year deal with the Polish outfit after bringing his stint in Romania to an end. He previously turned out for CSA Steaua before joining RC Gura Humorului in April 2025.Download our MozzartSport App For More NewsThe dreadlocked number nine says his previous experience living and playing in Europe has eased his transition to Poland, particularly when it comes to adjusting to the weather.“My life has been good, with no big adjustment because I have been to Europe and now I am used to the weather,” Mokoro said.However, he admits that life in Poland differs significantly from his experiences in other European countries, describing it as more advanced in several aspects.“Life in Poland is different from the two countries. Poland is more advanced in every aspect,” he explained.Despite settling in comfortably, Mokoro is still discovering the cultural peculiarities of his new home, with one local tradition in Poznan particularly catching his attention.##NAJAVA_MECA_10075976##He highlighted an old building in the city square where two goats emerge at midday every day to engage in a playful fight, attracting spectators.“On culture, I will talk about a few things from the city that I am in. One of them is an old building in the middle of the city square where every day at 12 pm, two goats get out on top of the building to fight, and people do go to watch,” he said.Beyond the city's attractions, the former Kenya Harlequin player has also been impressed by the strong bonds among his teammates, particularly their willingness to stand up for one another.“Another thing here is that players love and protect their teammates no matter what,” he added.Language, however, remains one of the more challenging aspects of his transition. Former Simbas lock identifies key areas Kenya must address to improve in 15sMokoro says Polish has proved more difficult to grasp than Romanian, although he is gradually picking up a few words.“Polish is hard compared to Romanian, but I have a few words that I can pronounce but can't write,” he said with a laugh.Mokoro has also opted to live alone despite having the option of staying with his teammates, explaining that personal space allows him to reflect on his ambitions and maintain a healthy balance between rugby and life outside the game.“I live alone, but I have an option to stay with the boys. I feel sometimes you need time alone to reflect on your goals and also miss them a bit so that when we meet for training or a game, it can be fun,” he said.Like many Kenyan players plying their trade abroad, the scrum-half has also had to adjust to being away from familiar food. Menengai Oilers lock reveals English star who inspired his deadlocksWhen asked what he misses most from home, his answer was simple: chapati and beans.“Chapati and beans. It has been a while,” he said.His experience of moving between European clubs has also helped him understand the demands of adapting to different playing environments. Having featured in Romania and now Poland, Mokoro notes that each country and coach brings a distinct approach to the game.“There is a big difference in terms of play. Every country and coach has their own style of play,” he observed.For Mokoro, the move to Poland is about more than securing another playing opportunity. The scrum-half is conscious of the need to make career decisions that allow him to compete while also preparing for life after rugby.“At this point, it is about you as a player. You need to make moves that you feel you are comfortable playing while you are making something for the future after you step out of this game,” he said.Kenya Sevens ace Kevin Wekesa receives prestigious award from United NationsHe describes his current playing arrangement as semi-professional, but insists that the opportunity is meeting his immediate needs as a player.“To me, it is semi-pro, but the good thing is I am getting what I need as a player to be here, and that is the most important part to me,” he explained.Mokoro is keeping his options open regarding his next career move.“I will make a move for sure, or I will stay. I am not sure about what the future will present,” he said.Asked whether playing for a top-tier club in Europe remains an ambition, Mokoro was unequivocal.“Yes, of course. That is a dream that every single player has because European nations dominate even in the World Cup, meaning here is where rugby is more competitive, and I can't ignore that part of wanting to play in a top tier,” he said.Mokoro first moved abroad in May 2024 after leaving Kenya Harlequins to join Romanian giants CSA Steaua. His move made him the fourth member of the 2012 Kenya Cup-winning Harlequins side to secure a professional contract in Romania.He later joined RC Gura Humorului in April 2025, making an immediate impression at his new club. The dynamic scrum-half delivered a standout performance just weeks after arriving, earning the Most Valuable Player award in one of the team's league matches.Former Simbas captain outlines four-point plan for Kenya’s Rugby World Cup dreamKnown for his speed around the breakdown, sharp game management and attacking awareness, Mokoro has steadily built a reputation as one of Kenya's best rugby exports in Europe.Before venturing abroad, he represented Kenya at several levels, featuring for the national Under-20 side, Chipu, the Kenya Morans and the national Sevens team, Shujaa.He was also part of the Morans squad that represented Kenya at the 2024 African Games in Ghana before completing his move to Europe.
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