Eniola “Eni” Gesinde, born in Lagos, Nigeria, is a dynamic rugby union player currently part of the Newcastle Falcons senior academy. He moved to England as a child and began his rugby journey representing Yorkshire at the U-18 level before earning a place in the Falcons academy. Renowned for his combination of power and pace, Gesinde has made a name for himself with standout performances, including scoring numerous tries for the Development team.
Gesinde has captained the Falcons development team multiple times, showcasing his leadership abilities. His contributions were particularly notable in leading the Newcastle Falcons sevens team to a historic hat trick of victories in the Scottish Borders Sevens series, where they clinched the Hawick, Melrose, and Langholm titles. Gesinde played a pivotal role throughout these triumphs, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the rugby scene.
On September 4, 2006, Gesinde’s talent was recognized on a broader scale when he was named to the extended England sevens squad for the 2006/07 season by coach Mike Friday. This opportunity highlighted his potential to excel on both the domestic and international stages.
Gesinde made his Newcastle Falcons first-team debut on September 17, 2006, coming off the bench in the 72nd minute during a match against Saracens. Although the game ended in a 44-20 defeat, his debut marked a significant milestone in his rugby career and underscored his readiness for top-flight competition.
