Ruck Family: The Kaushiku brothers

Rugby is not just a sport it’s a full body collision of power, speed and strategy. It is where players sprint headlong into tackles, where a single game can leave you bruised for days, and where each position is a test of endurance and grit.

In Zambia, one family has not only embraced this demanding sport but risen to become some of its finest ambassadors.

Meet the Kaushiku family, hailing from the Copperbelt and raised in Lusaka, has produced four remarkable rugby playing brothers. The eldest, Larry (35), followed by Terry (33) and then twins Lawrence and Terrence (29), have all carved out a place for themselves in Zambian rugby.

Their journey began with a spark of curiosity in 1999, drawn in not by televised fame or community tradition, but by something as simple as the odd, oval shape of a rugby ball.

At just nine, seven, and five years old, the boys were captivated. Despite the sport being relatively unknown in Zambia at the time, it planted the seeds of a lifelong passion.

What followed was no easy path. With rugby came torn clothes, frequent bruises, and the kind of injuries that made their parents worry and sometimes scold.

But the thrill of the game proved irresistible.They got their start at Lusaka Rugby Club, where they braved tough competition, size-related doubts and recurring injuries.

In a game where players often tower over six feet and weigh well over 90 kilograms, the brothers learned to use speed, intelligence, and teamwork to overcome physical disadvantages.

Rugby has many positions, each with unique demands. The wing (positions 11 and 14) Larry’s role is usually the fastest player, stationed on the edge of the field to finish tries and outrun defenders.

He also played scrum-half (9), the link between forwards and backs, often the smallest player on the field but with the quickest mind and hands.

After a successful run with Green Buffaloes Rugby Club, Larry now coaches the team while serving in the Zambia Army.

“Our parents would scold us due to the injuries, bruises, and torn clothes that often kept us away from school,” Larry recalls with a laugh, reflecting on their early days.

As Larry transitioned into coaching in 2011, his younger brothers were making their own mark on the pitch.

Terry joined Red Arrows Rugby Club, a Zambia Air Force (ZAF) sponsored team, where he competes in both the 15s and 7s formats of the game.

The difference you may wonder? In 7s, each team has only seven players on the field instead of 15, making it a faster, more open, and physically exhausting version of the sport.

“I began playing as a scrum half likely because of my smaller size,” Terry says.

“But as I developed, I moved to flanker, where my ball-handling and defensive skills were more effective.”

Flankers, wearing jerseys 6 or 7, are relentless tacklers and crucial in winning possession during breakdowns.

Terry is also a Director of Rugby at the MT Sharks Youth Academy and plans to further his coaching credentials while remaining active in the rugby community.

The twins, Lawrence and Terrence, followed in their older brothers’ footsteps but forged their own paths.

Lawrence plays scrum-half and center, the latter being a powerful and agile role responsible for breaking through defenses and creating scoring opportunities. He also serves in the ZAF and credits his older brothers for inspiring and motivating him.

“Our older brothers have inspired us, fostering a strong and positive bond between us,” Lawrence shares.

He emphasizing how rugby deepened their connection as siblings.

Meanwhile Terrence, represents Nkwazi Rugby Club also known as High Flying Nkwazi, a team sponsored by the Zambia Police Service (ZPS). He plays in both 7s and 15s formats, balancing his rugby career with his service in the police.

“We’ve always supported one another mentally, physically, educationally, and in discipline,” Terrence explains. “That support is reinforced by our shared experiences in Zambia’s security services.”

What makes this family truly exceptional is not just their skill on the field, but their resilience off it.

They’ve dealt with injuries that took months to heal forcing them to rebuild fitness from scratch and still returned with more determination.

They’ve juggled demanding careers in the military and police with their rugby commitments, and now they’re investing in the sport’s future.

Together, the Kaushikus are working to maintain their legacy by mentoring young players and helping aspiring athletes reach their potential.

Co written with Selina Namanwe

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