Kenya U20 Head Coach Simon Jawichre has named the 28-man Chipu squad to this year’s Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy in Harare, Zimbabwe from April 20-28.
Edmond Omondi captains the side that has nine returning players from the squad that did duty at the World Rugby U20 Trophy held last July in Nairobi namely Gaylord Ngasi, Andycole Omolo, Iddo Kuta, Wycliffe Ogutu, Nathan Tsindoli, Patrick Wainaina, Faran Juma, Michael Wamalwa and James Olela.
Also cutting are Alvin Khavoli and Philip Okeyo, who have been standout performers in the Kenya Cup for their club sides Menengai Oilers and Nakuru.
This year’s tournament features four teams led by hosts Zimbabwe, and last year’s runners-up Kenya, Namibia and Tunisia. The teams will battle it out in a round-robin competition over three match days, finishing first winning the title and securing Africa’s berth to the World Rugby U20 Trophy 2024 set for 2-17 July in Scotland.
The team departs on Thursday morning and starts their campaign against Namibia on Saturday 20 April before taking on Tunisia on Wednesday 24 April 2024. They complete their campaign with a clash against hosts and defending champions Zimbabwe on Sunday 28 April 2024.
KRU Acting CEO and Director of Rugby Thomas Odundo alluded to the importance of the tournament in representing the continent at the World Rugby U20 Trophy 2024.
“The winner of the U20 Barthes Trophy goes on to the World U20 Trophy so it is quite a big event as there will be only one qualifier from Africa. So it is up to us to put our best foot forward so that we can get there and represent this continent,” said Odundo
Chipu Squad | Barthes U20 Trophy 2024 | Apr 20-28 | Harare, Zimbabwe
Darrel Oluoch, Ian Nyandusi, Bramwell 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 (captain), 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 MANAGEMENT Simon Jawichre (Head Coach), Philip Wamae (Team Manager), Samuel Ochieng (Physio)
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