The Kenya men’s rugby 15s national team, known as the Simbas, is set to embark on a promising journey as part of the Africa Tour 15s Championship. This unique event, scheduled for November, will feature teams from Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, as well as European sides, providing invaluable exposure for the African squads.

Sasha Mutai, chairman of the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), highlighted the significance of the tournament, emphasizing its role in preparing the Simbas for their goal of qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. “We recently had meetings in Mauritius with presidents of Zimbabwe and Uganda’s rugby federations, where we decided to start these tours to improve our chances of qualifying for the 2027 World Cup,” Mutai explained.

The tournament will include European teams such as Belgium (ranked 27th globally), Germany (31st), and Hong Kong China (24th), offering a competitive platform for the African teams. “We want to play against teams above us in the rankings to enable us to become competitive,” Mutai added.

Co-hosting the championship is a strategic move to minimize costs and maximize high-level play opportunities. “Hosting a test match would be costly if you factor in air tickets, accommodation logistics, and local transport. But a joint tour means the three countries will share the expenses,” noted Mutai.

These efforts are focused on ensuring the Simbas perform well in the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, which serves as a pathway to the 2027 Rugby World Cup. “We want to start our preparation for the qualifiers early. We believe this tour will be good preparation,” Mutai affirmed.

The Simbas are currently in camp, preparing for the Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda from July 18 to 29. They will depart on Thursday ahead of their first pool match against Senegal on July 20. The winner of this clash will advance to the semifinals to face the victor of the Algeria vs. Cote d’Ivoire quarterfinal on July 24. The Namibia vs. Burkina Faso match winner will meet the Zimbabwe vs. Uganda quarterfinal winner.

Simbas’ Squad to Uganda

Travelling Squad:

1. Ephraim Oduor
2. Edward Mwaura
3. Eugene Sifuna
4. Teddy Akala
5. Griffin Musila
6. Wilhite Mususi
7. Hillary Mwanjilwa
8. Hibrahim Ayoo
9. Clinton Odhiambo
10. Hillary Odhiambo
11. Malcolm Onsando
12. George Nyambua
13. Thomas Okeyo
14. Obat Kuke
15. Jeanson Musoga
16. Elkeans Musonye
17. Michael Wanjala
18. Samson Onsomu
19. Barry Young
20. Beldad Ogeta
21. Derrick Ashihundu
22. Walter Okoth
23. Paul Mutsami
24. Richel Wagila
25. Bryceson Adaka
26. Timothy Okwemba
27. Alfred Orege
28. Abdultwalib Wesonga

Non-Travelling Reserves:

1. Francis Atiti
2. Amos Obae
3. Dan Angwech
4. Tyson Maina
5. Griffin Chao
6. Quinto Ongo

Technical Team:

• Head Coach – Jerome Paarwater
• Team Manager – Jimmy Mnene
• Physio – Stephen Mankone