The Kenya Simbas management, led by Jerome Paarwater, announced the 28-man squad that is heading to Kampala, Uganda, for the 2027 Rugby World Cup Qualifier, as part of the Rugby Africa Cup (RAC).
Prior to the announcement, the team held a one-month-long High-Performance camp in South Africa, playing 9 matches with various teams.
“The guys are looking well prepared and ready for the tournament in Uganda. We’re glad that we don’t have any serious injuries within the team,” said Jerome.
The Simbas aim to capitalize on the expanded 24-team format to secure their first-ever World Cup qualification.
The Rugby Africa Cup
The Rugby Africa Cup, running from July 8–19 at Mandela National Stadium, will see Kenya compete against strong teams like Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, with the winner securing a direct spot in the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, and the runner-up advancing to an Asia/Africa play-off.
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Zimbabwe is the defending champion, the tournament featuring knockout stages, with quarterfinals, semi-finals, and a final.
“There have been a lot of lessons learned in South Africa, and the players bonded very well with each other, and this improves the teamwork both on and off the field,” Paarwater added.
“We are confident in the squad that has been selected, and we are confident that we have selected the best team we have. The four new players will bring a fresh feel within the setup,” added Jimmy Mnene, Kenya Simbas Team Manager.
Kenya reached the RAC final in 2022, losing to Namibia 36–0 in a World Cup qualifier match in France. This was their closest attempt at World Cup qualification.
Kenya has been a mainstay in the Gold Cup, often finishing in the top four, but they have yet to win the title.
Named Squad
Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar RFC), Edward Mwaura (Kabras Sugar), Eugene Sifuna (Kabras Sugar RFC), Teddy Akala (Kabras Sugar RFC), Wilhite Mususi (KCB RFC), Vincent Mwikhali (Menengai Oilers RFC), Hibrahim Ayoo (Menengai Oilers RFC), Thomas Okeyo (NovaVit Griffons), Andycole Omolo (KCB RFC),
Emanuel Silungi (KCB RFC), George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar RFC), Patrick Sabatia (Kabras Sugar RFC), David Bunduki (NovaVit Griffons), Obat Kuke (Blak Blad RFC), Bethuel Anami (MLSGP 78), Elkeans Musonye (Menengai Oilers RFC), Samuel Asati (KCB RFC), Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar RFC), Barry Young (Kabras Sugar RFC), Brian Wahinya (KCB RFC), Griffin Chao (Kabras Sugar RFC), Walter Okoth (Kabras Sugar RFC), Samuel Ovwamu (Menengai Oilers RFC), Bryceson Adaka (Kabras Sugar RFC), John Okoth (Menengai Oilers RFC), Timothy Omela (Menengai Oilers RFC), Jone Kubu (Kabras Sugar RFC), Derrick Ashihundu (Kabras Sugar RFC).
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