Simon Jawichre, the head coach of Kenya’s U20 rugby team, has announced the retention of the victorious squad from the Rugby Africa Under 20 Barthes Trophy held in April.
The team is now setting sights on the upcoming World Rugby Junior Trophy scheduled for July 2-17 in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) revealed the 28-player squad on Thursday, which includes nine veterans from the previous year’s tournament in Nairobi: Geylord Ngasi, Andycole Omolo, Iddo Kuta, Wycliffe Ogutu, Nathan Tsindoli, Patrick Wainaina, Faran Juma, Michael Wamalwa, and James Olela. The team is slated to depart on July 27, marking their fourth participation in the event, with previous appearances in Nairobi (2009, 2023) and Brazil (2019).
Despite a brief residential training camp, Coach Jawichre is optimistic about the team’s prospects. He reflected on the period following the Barthes Trophy, expressing a desire for the players to engage in the Rugby Super Series. While some made it, others continued training. The team underwent two camps post-Super Series, including a valuable scrimmage with KCB and joint sessions with the national team, the Simbas.
Jawichre emphasized the importance of these sessions in preparing the players mentally and physically, noting improvements and recovery from minor injuries sustained during the Super Series. The selection for the upcoming tournament is based on the performance in Harare, with additional focus on enhancing specific areas and role clarity.
As Chipu (the team’s nickname) prepares for Pool B matches against Uruguay (July 2), the Netherlands (July 7), and the USA (July 12), Jawichre calls upon stakeholders, families, and supporters to keep the team in their prayers and offer support in any way possible.
The champion of this tournament will secure a spot in the 2025 World Rugby Junior Championship.
Travelling squad
- Darrel Oluoch
- Ian Nyandusi
- Bramwel Mate
- Brian Shile
- Geylord Ngasi
- Hafidh Mohammed
- Eugene Etali
- Cleyn Okumbi
- Andycole Omolo
- Eddy Otieno
- Iddo Kuta
- Wycliffe Ogutu
- Nathan Tsindoli
- Willy Tino
- Edmond Omondi
- Patrick Wainaina
- Benedict Muiruri
- Faran Juma
- Philip Okeyo
- Alvin Khavoli
- Brian Kiptoo
- Dennis Ndayala
- Kipchirchir Bett
- Elvis Otete
- Eugene Ojiambo
- Jackson Siketi
- Michael Wamalwa
- James Olela
Non-travelling reserves
- Jeremy Namiti
- John Asega
- Jeff Maina
- Rogers Omanyi
Management
- Simon Jawichre (head coach)
- Qondani Katywa (assistant coach)
- Kenny Andola (assistant coach)
- William Motto (strength & conditioning coach)
- Philip Wamae (team manager)
- Wacera Githua (assistant team manager)
- Aysha Omar (team doctor)
- Samuel Ochieng (physio)
The team’s preparation and dedication are evident as they aim to make a mark on the international stage and continue their journey towards rugby excellence.
