The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has unveiled a 33-man squad that will represent the country at the Currie Cup 1st Division matches in South Africa scheduled for April.
Kabras RFC, the Kenya Cup winners, dominate the team with 12 players. According to the competition organizers, Kenya will participate in a total of nine matches in the tournament.
The Simbas will kick off their campaign on April 2nd against Boland Kavaliers in Cape Town before facing Leopards a week later in Potchefstroom.
San Clemente Rhinos and Eastern Province will be the opponents on April 15th and 29th respectively, followed by two more matches in May.
The final three matches will be hosted in Nairobi, with the closing match against SWD Eagles slated for June 3rd. Jerome Paarwater will begin his second tenure as the head coach of the Simbas in the opening match on Saturday.
SIMBAS SQUAD
Loosehead Props
Ian Njenga (Nondescripts), Andrew Siminyu (University of Johannesburg, South Africa), Edward Mwaura (Menengai Oilers),
Hookers
Eugene Sifuna (Kabras Sugar),Teddy Akala (Kabras Sugar), Coleman Were (Menengai Oilers), Toby Francombe (Boroughmuir, Scotland), Brian Waraba (Kenya Harlequin)
Tight head Props
Patrick Ouko (KCB), Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar), Joseph Odero (Kabras Sugar)
Locks
Davis Chenge (KCB), Brian Juma (Kabras Sugar), Brian Ndirangu (Menengai Oilers), Thomas Okeyo (University of Johannesburg, South Africa), Manasseh Oduor (KCB), Malcom Onsando ( Sportiv Bucaresti, Romania), Oliver Mang’eni (KCB), Clinton Odhiambo ( Menengai Oilers), Joseph Shem ( Kabras Sugar), Emmanuel Silungi (Yizreel Rugby Club, Israel)
Blindside Flankers
George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar), Oscar Ouma (Zastava, Russia), Bethuel Anami (Strathmore Leos)
Open side Flankers
Dan Sikuta (Kabras Sugar), Martin Owilah (KCB), Kevin Wekesa (Kabras Sugar), Brian Amaitsa (Nondescripts)
Number Eights
Chrispine Shitundo (Menengai Oilers), Felix Ojoo (KCB), Mark Mutuku (Notre Dame University, USA), Elkeans Musonye (Impala Saracens)
Scrum Halves
Samuel Asati (KCB), Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar), Michael Wanjala (KCB), Brian Wahinya (KCB), Barry Robinson (Kabras Sugar), Samson Onsomu (Menengai Oilers)
Fly Halves
Jone Kubu (Kabras Sugar), Anthony Omondi (Mwamba), Geoffrey Ominde (Menengai Oilers), Owain Ashley (Cardiff University, Wales)
Left Wings
Andrew Matoka (Strathmore Leos), Timothy Okwemba (Menengai Oilers), Beldad Ogeta (Menengai Oilers)
Inside Centers
Dominic Coulson (Exeter University), John Okoth (Menengai Oilers), Collins Injera (Mwamba), Walter Okoth (Kabras Sugar), Max Omondi (Catholic Monks)
Outside Centers
Vincent Onyala (KCB), Bryceson Adaka (Kabras Sugar), Peter Kilonzo (KCB)
Right Wings
Jacob Ojee (KCB),Derrick Ashiundu (Kabras Sugar), Michael Kimwele (KCB), William Ambaka (Zastava, Russia)
Full Backs
Jeffrey Mutuku (Notre Dame University, USA), Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Isaac Njoroge (KCB)
