A dedicated group of rugby fans has come together to support Kenya’s Chipu U20 national team as they prepare for the thrilling World Rugby Under-20 Trophy. By establishing an M-Changa account, these enthusiasts aim to raise essential funds for the team’s upcoming participation in the prestigious global event.
Chipu earned their place in the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy by defeating the Zimbabwe Junior Sables 28-13 in the final of the Rugby Africa Under-20 Barthes Trophy at the Harare Sports Club in April this year. This year’s World Rugby Under-20 Trophy will be held from July 2 to 17 at the Edinburgh Rugby Stadium in Scotland.
Fundraising Efforts for World Rugby Under-20 Trophy
Rugby commentator Peter Ndonga, one of the key supporters behind this fundraising initiative, announced that the campaign would culminate in a touch rugby tournament at the RFUEA grounds on Saturday. “We witnessed the challenges the team faced before winning the Barthes Cup and, considering the financial difficulties the union is experiencing, we decided to step in,” Ndonga explained. The target is to raise one million shillings to assist with the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy preparations.
Ndonga highlighted that while there is no immediate solution to these financial challenges, it is crucial to support the team’s efforts for the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy. “The funds raised will cover all the players’ needs before they depart for Scotland,” Ndonga added, urging the public to donate whatever they can.
The participation fee for teams in the touch rugby tournament is 50,000 shillings, with an entrance fee of 300 shillings. The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) had presented a budget of 46 million shillings to finance the team’s preparations before and during the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy in Scotland.
Preparation and Training for World Rugby Under-20 Trophy
KRU Chairman Sasha Mutai underscored the importance of these fundraising initiatives. “This is not the first time money has been raised for the team. After their qualification in Zimbabwe, over US$1,000 was already raised,” Mutai noted. “We are still facing financial difficulties, and such initiatives are greatly appreciated.”
Mutai added that while there were plans for several training camps, including a tour of South Africa, the team is currently scheduled to train locally before departing for Scotland next week. “Things are looking positive, and we hope that Chipu and Kenya Sevens’ impressive performances will attract sponsors,” Mutai said.
KRU Managing Director Thomas Odundo announced that the team had planned a week-long training camp in South Africa, costing 15 million shillings, but the trip was canceled due to a lack of funds. “This should be a self-funded trip,” Odundo stated.
The team has held two training camps so far and recently trained with the Kenya Simbas before their break on Monday. “They will train with the Simbas for another three days next week before they leave. Chipu is well-prepared, and we hope for the best,” Odundo said.
Upcoming Matches in the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy
Kenya is placed in Group B of the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy, facing the Netherlands, Uruguay, and the United States of America. Hosts Scotland are in Group A, alongside Japan, Samoa, and Hong Kong (China).
The World Rugby Under-20 Trophy is the second-tier age-group rugby competition, with the winner advancing to the U20 Rugby World Cup. This is the third time Kenya is participating in the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy, having hosted the championship in 2009 and 2023.
As Chipu prepares for the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy, the entire nation rallies behind them, hopeful for a successful campaign in Scotland. This exciting event showcases their dedication, hard work, and the spirit of rugby in Kenya.
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