Kenya’s U20 rugby squad, Chipu, is all set to compete in the World Rugby Junior Trophy 2024, scheduled from July 2-17 in Edinburgh, Scotland. This participation follows their triumphant performance in the Rugby Africa U-20 Barthes Trophy, which secured their qualification for this prestigious global event.
Preparation and Training for the World Rugby Junior Trophy 2024
Chipu’s journey to the World Rugby Junior Trophy 2024 has been marked by rigorous training and strategic preparation. Head coach Simon Jawichre has named the same squad that delivered victory at the Barthes U-20 Trophy in Zimbabwe. This includes nine players returning from the 2023 World Rugby Junior Trophy hosted in Nairobi: Geylord Ngasi, Andycole Omolo, Iddo Kuta, Wycliffe Ogutu, Nathan Tsindoli, Patrick Wainaina, Faran Juma, Michael Wamalwa, and James Olela.
Reflecting on the team’s preparations for the World Rugby Junior Trophy 2024, coach Jawichre commented on the importance of their involvement in the Rugby Super Series and subsequent training camps. “We really wanted our guys to play in the (Rugby) Super Series. A few made it there, and quite a number trained without playing. We’ve had two camps after the Super Series, one on our own, but we actually had the opportunity to face off with KCB as they were training for the Enterprise Cup. The second week we put ourselves up against the Simbas (the Kenya men’s fifteens senior team), where we had joint sessions together,” Jawichre explained.
These training sessions were crucial in preparing the team both
mentally and physically for the World Rugby Junior Trophy 2024. “These sessions helped our boys. It brought them up to speed, especially on the mental side of things. When I look at them physically, there are a few niggly things from the Super Series, but all coming in good, they’re coming into shape,” said Jawichre.
Tournament Schedule for the World Rugby Junior Trophy 2024
Chipu is placed in Pool B of the World Rugby Junior Trophy 2024. Their campaign will begin against Uruguay on Thursday, July 2, followed by a match against the Netherlands on Sunday, July 7. They will complete their group fixtures with a match against the USA on Friday, July 12. The World Rugby Junior Trophy 2024 marks Chipu’s fourth appearance at the tournament, having previously competed in 2009 (Nairobi), 2019 (Brazil), and 2023 (Nairobi). The winner of the World Rugby Junior Trophy 2024 will qualify for the 2025 World Rugby Junior Championship.
Chipu Squad for the World Rugby Junior Trophy 2024
The Chipu squad for the World Rugby Junior Trophy 2024 includes:
– 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
Head coach Simon Jawichre concluded with a message of gratitude and encouragement for the World Rugby Junior Trophy 2024: “The squad going is basically pegged on what we had in Harare. We just wanted to enhance those who were down in one area or another, and we focused on just giving them clarity and getting their roles right. To all our stakeholders, KRU, our families, supporters near and wide, pray for us…keep us in prayer and support us in whichever other way you can.”
As Chipu prepares for the World Rugby Junior Trophy 2024, the nation eagerly supports them, hoping for a victorious campaign in Scotland. This World Rugby Junior Trophy 2024 is a testament to their hard work, determination, and the spirit of rugby in Kenya.
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