Few stories capture the spirit of resilience and reinvention quite like that of Nsa Harrison. Growing up in Lagos as the youngest of four, Nsa arrived at Malvern College eager to explore his passions, particularly in sport. A talented all-rounder, he excelled in both rugby, football and athletics, representing the UK Independent Schools team in shot put and achieving silver medals at the national championships for several consecutive years. Yet it was the sense of community and camaraderie at Malvern that left a lasting mark. “Living with 60 other pupils teaches you that the group is greater than the individual. I wasn’t at the time but now I am very aware of the importance of empathy and being a role model,” he reflects.
After leaving Malvern, Nsa’s path wasn’t immediately clear. “I didn’t apply to university straight away,” he admits, “but on results day I called the University of the West of England to try my luck with Sports Science and it was the Dean himself who answered. He offered me a place on the spot!” While studying, Nsa reignited his passion for rugby, joining London Nigeria Rugby Club, which propelled him into a professional career. He went on to play for Staines, Middlesex County, and Esher, experiencing the highs and lows of promotion and relegation in the English leagues, as well as proudly representing Nigeria in international fixtures against Ivory Coast, Mauritius and Botswana.
When a knee injury brought his playing career to an end, Nsa channelled his energy into the professional world, drawing on the adaptability and interpersonal skills first honed at Malvern. An introduction through an Old Malvernian contact led to his first role in recruitment, followed by several years in the legal finance sector. Today, he is Commercial Analysis Manager at Dentons, the world’s largest law firm, where he combines his expertise in finance and project management to drive commercial efficiency and innovation.
Beyond his professional life, Nsa remains deeply connected to the sport and community that shaped him. As a committee member of the Nigerian Exiles “Stallions”, he is passionate about supporting the next generation of Nigerian rugby players in the UK and helping them transition into the international squad. For him, fulfilment comes from giving back and a sense of achievement. “I now understand why people sit on committees; it’s not about what you get out, but what you can do for others.” From the playing fields of Malvern to the boardrooms of London, Nsa is the epitome of resilience, ambition and the power of collaboration.