Kenya Simbas Announce 47-Man Squad for 2027 Rugby World Cup Qualifiers

Kenya’s national rugby team, the Kenya Simbas, has named a 47-man squad as they begin their journey to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. With a fresh lineup featuring domestic and internationally-based players, the Simbas are determined to secure their first-ever World Cup berth through the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup (RAC), scheduled to take place in Uganda this July.

This tournament provides a direct qualification ticket for the winner, while the runner-up will compete in a pre-repechage playoff. With four additional World Cup slots available due to the expansion of teams from 20 to 24, the Simbas have a golden opportunity to finally break into rugby’s biggest stage.

Kenya Simbas Kick Off World Cup Preparations in Kakamega

The squad began its four-day residential training camp on January 26 in Kakamega, where head coach Paul Odera and his technical team will assess the players ahead of the intensive qualification campaign.

One of the notable inclusions in the squad is Romania-based scrum-half Conellias Mokoro, a former Kenya U-20 star who has also featured for the Kenya Morans in the Safari Sevens and Africa Cup Sevens. His European rugby experience is expected to add a valuable edge to the Simbas’ attacking options.

Other key players in the camp include:

• Jone Kubu (Kabras RFC) – A dynamic and versatile backline playmaker.
• George Nyambua (Simbas captain, Kabras RFC) – An influential leader in the forward pack.
• Eugene Sifuna (Kabras RFC) – A powerful hooker with a strong defensive presence.
• Melvin Thairu (SCM Rugby Timisoara, Romania) – A physical loosehead prop with international experience.

With a blend of experienced players and promising young talent, the Simbas are eager to redeem themselves after failing to qualify for the last two Rugby World Cups.

The Road to the 2027 Rugby World Cup

Kenya’s quest for World Cup qualification has been filled with near misses.

• In 2022, they reached the Rugby Africa Cup final but lost to Namibia, who secured Africa’s sole automatic ticket to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
• In 2023, they finished fourth after a 20-12 defeat to Algeria in the third-place playoff.

With more teams now able to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Kenya has a realistic chance of making history. The Simbas remain Africa’s second-best team behind Namibia, and this expanded format could finally favor them.

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Kenya Simbas 47-Man Squad for Rugby World Cup Qualifiers

Here is the full 47-man squad, including forwards and backs, as named by head coach Paul Odera.

Forwards

Loosehead Props (No. 1)

1. Melvin Thairu – SCM Rugby Timisoara (Romania)
2. Edward Mwaura – Kabras Sugar RFC
3. Ian Njenga – CSA Steaua (Romania)
4. Andrew Siminyu – University of Johannesburg (South Africa)

Hookers (No. 2)

1. Eugene Sifuna – Kabras Sugar RFC
2. Celestine Mboi – Menengai Oilers
3. Khaidar Mohamed – Kenya Harlequin FC
4. Teddy Akala – Kabras Sugar RFC
5. Griffin Musila – KCB RC

Tighthead Props (No. 3)

1. Wilhite Mususi – KCB RC
2. Ephraim Oduor – Kabras Sugar RFC
3. Desterious Ifedha – Menengai Oilers
4. Emmanuel Otieno – Kabras Sugar RFC
5. Erick Miheso – KCB RC

Locks (No. 4 & 5)

1. Hibrahim Ayoo – Menengai Oilers
2. Andycole Omollo – KCB RC
3. Hillary Odhiambo – Kabras Sugar RFC
4. Hillary Baraza – Nondies RFC
5. Emmanuel Silungi – KCB RC

Flankers (No. 6 & 7)

Blindside Flankers (No. 6):

1. George Nyambua – Kabras Sugar RFC
2. Collins Indeche – Kabras Sugar RFC
3. Ahmos Obae – Menengai Oilers
   

   The journey to the 2027 Rugby World Cup begins!

   A 47-man Kenya Simbas squad kicked off RWC qualification prep with camp in Kakamega on Jan 26.

   They’ll compete in the Rugby Africa Cup this July for a spot in the World Cup!

   Player list & details#RugbyKE pic.twitter.com/EDm1EtVvYj

   — Fanaka Studios (@FanakaStudios) January 28, 2025

Openside Flankers (No. 7):

1. Charles Omondi – Nondies RFC
2. Elkeans Musonye – Menengai Oilers
3. Clinton Odhiambo – Menengai Oilers

Number 8

1. Jeanson Misoga – Kabras Sugar RFC
2. Sheldon Kahi – Kenya Harlequin FC
3. Obat Kuke – KU Blak Blad

Backline

Scrum Halves (No. 9)

1. Cornelius Mokoro – CSA Steaua (Romania)
2. Samson Onsomu – Menengai Oilers
3. Emmanuel Opondo – KCB RC

Flyhalves (No. 10)

1. Brian Wahinya – KCB RC
2. Barry Young – Kabras Sugar RFC
3. Jone Kubu – Kabras Sugar RFC

Wings (No. 11 & 14)

Left Wing (No. 11):

1. Beldad Ogeta – Menengai Oilers
2. Griffin Chao – Kabras Sugar RFC

Right Wing (No. 14):

1. Derrick Ashihundu – Kabras Sugar RFC
2. Alfred Orege – Kabras Sugar RFC

Centres (No. 12 & 13)

Inside Centres (No. 12):

1. Walter Okoth – Kabras Sugar RFC
2. Wiseman Aganya – Kenya Harlequin FC
3. Paul Mutsami – Kenya Harlequin FC

Outside Centres (No. 13):

1. Richel Wagila – Kenya Harlequin FC
2. Bryceson Adaka – Kabras Sugar RFC
3. Charles Odhiambo – Nondies RFC
4. Tyson Maina – KCB RFC

Fullbacks (No. 15)

1. Abdultwalib Wesonga – Menengai Oilers
2. Timothy Omela – Menengai Oilers

The Simbas’ Big Opportunity

With an expanded 24-team Rugby World Cup format and an increasing pool of professional players, Kenya’s dream of World Cup qualification is more realistic than ever.

The 2025 Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda will be their ultimate test, and the 47 players selected will fight to make history for Kenya’s rugby.

Rugby fans can expect fierce competition, as the Simbas aim to dethrone Namibia and book Africa’s direct ticket to Australia 2027.