KRU rolls out cardiac, related medical screening for players

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has rolled out a programme that requires all clubs participating in domestic competition to screen their players for any cardiac or other medical issues before competition resumes on January 14 following the death of two players late last year.

The KRU Medical Subcommittee has introduced a series of minimum screening requirements to be met by all clubs before the Kenya Cup and other local tournaments that were suspended following the tragic events of December 6 and 11 resume.

“Following several consultations we agreed that each Kenya Cup club subject their players to cardiac and medical screen that will include a player profile history and cardiac and baseline screening.

“Please arrange to get these done before the January matches and feel free to contact the KRU Medical Team for any clarifications,” a letter sent to all clubs from KRU read.

The KRU Sub Committee was constituted following the events that recently led to the untimely deaths of Ogeto Gecheo and Victor Wayodi to review the cases and offer any advice or recommendations thereafter.

The KRU committee, led by Kenya Sevens Team Physio Lamech Bogonko is also tasked with covering all protocol to do with reporting to World Rugby on the events.

“You have been asked to fill out this medical questionnaire on your own behalf. This questionnaire has been devised to aid in identification of young people who currently engage in competitive sport, but who could be at risk of suffering a serious cardiac event.

“This is not a common occurrence. The number of events can however be reduced by careful evaluation of symptoms and family history,” one of the screening forms from World Rugby players are supposed to fill reads.

“No screening system can guarantee 100% accuracy. If you answer “Yes” to any of these questions, you may be required to undertake further tests or referred to a Physician for further investigation.

“It is very important that you answer these questions honestly. You must however be aware that it is possible that as a result of this process you could potentially be disqualified from participation in your chosen sport.

“In identified situations an ECG may also be mandatory as part of this assessment and the signing of this consent document confirms your agreement to undertake this ECG,” the form underscores.

Gecheo who played for Nondescripts and Wayodi of Mwamba died within a week of each other while featuring in the Kenya Cup.

Gecheo passed on December 6 at Nairobi’s Aga Khan Hospital after sustaining a spinal injury when tackling an opponent in their match against Strathmore the previous weekend.

The former Maseno School captain underwent successful surgery and had plates affixed on his vertebral column before he succumbed to his injuries.

Wayodi collapsed during a Kenya Cup tie against Top Fry Nakuru and died on December 11 compelling KRU to suspend domestic competition as investigations into the incidents were launched.