Former Kenyan rugby player Joshua Weru has made history as the first East African to sign with an NFL franchise by joining the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent through the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) Programme.
Weru, an ex-Kenya Simbas 15s international, is set to begin a new chapter in American football after transitioning from rugby union where he earned recognition for his defensive prowess.
The 2026 NFL Draft, held on Saturday, saw teams select college prospects across rounds, but Weru was not among the drafted players. Reports indicate that the Philadelphia Eagles selected eight players during the draft, leaving Weru to enter the pool of undrafted prospects.
Weru was then picked up by the Eagles under the IPP that identifies and develops elite athletes from outside the US by integrating them into NFL.
“In addition to drafting Uar Bernard, the Eagles are also signing DL Joshua Weru from the International Player Pathway program,” Philadelphia-based reporter Dave Zangaro posted on X.
NFL scouts are increasingly targeting rugby athletes due to their tackling powers and endurance. However, the crossover requires adaptation, as American football has a completely different design.
Reports suggest Weru is likely to be developed as a defensive player, a possible edge rusher, a role focused on disrupting offensive plays.
Now, he is considered a developmental prospect, with the Eagles expected to refine his skills, knowledge of the game and adaptation to the sport.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya described Weru’s rise as a historic milestone for Kenya and evidence of the country’s growing global sporting influence beyond athletics and rugby.
“Your achievement proves that Kenyan excellence knows no limits,” Mvurya said.
Kenyan marathoner Sabastian Sawe at the weekend became the first athlete across the world to run sub-two hours, clocking 1:59:30 in the London Marathon.
