Kings journeyman turns to Gridiron
Kenyan journeyman Daniel Adongo has departed Rugby Union and taken up American Football, as he continues his quest for a permanent team.
The 23-year-old, an impressive physical specimen who never lived up to his potential or became an established player at any team, has joined up with the NFL Gridiron franchise the Indiana Colts.
Adongo – who had stints with the Sharks, Bulls, Counties-Manukau in New Zealand's NPC and this year with the Southern Kings – has been signed as an outside lineback by the Indiana outfit.
Colts general manager Ryan Grigson, who said he was "excited" about the 1.96m, 117kg Kenyan, confirmed in a statement that Adongo has taken over the spot of Wesley Saunders – who was suspended for violating an NFL performance enhancing drugs policy.
"We are excited as an organization with the acquisition of Daniel Adongo," Grigson said in a statement on the club's website.
"He is not only an elite athlete and rising [Rugby Union] player, but he is an exceptional competitor and human being that has the right make-up for our sport.
"We all look forward to watching his growth and development in the ensuing weeks."
In Kenya Adongo played for Strathmore School and Kenya Harlequins junior team, before going on to play for Kenya's Under-18 and Under-19 national teams.
He was spotted by South African scouts at the 2006 Sevens tournament, playing in the schools category.
The next year he moved to the Sharks academy, making his senior debut in the 2010 Vodacom Cup and played in 10 games.
At the end of 2011 he was signed by the Blue Bulls, but was released from his contract after six months and just eight Vodacom Cup appearances (mostly off the bench) to join the New Zealand NPC team Counties Manukau. He played in nine matches, bith at loose forward and at lock, getting plaudits for his abrasive displays.
He also played for Tuks in the 2012 Varsity Cup.
Adongo joined the Southern Kings for the 2013 Super Rugby season and played five times – all off the bench – while also featuring in four games for the EP Kings Vodacom Cup team.
