Kenya’s rugby men’s 15s national team, the Simbas, are set to embark on an exciting journey as they prepare to compete in the upcoming Africa Tour 15s championship in November. This tournament promises to be a significant milestone in their quest to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The event will feature strong European teams like Belgium, ranked 27th in the world, Germany (31st), and Hong Kong China (24th), providing the African teams with invaluable exposure to high-intensity matches.
Strategic Initiative for World Cup Qualification
Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman Sasha Mutai has confirmed that the tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, aims to boost the teams’ competitiveness on the global stage. The championship’s primary objective is to offer the African sides a chance to play against higher-ranked European teams, which will enhance their skills and performance levels. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to prepare the Simbas for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, a crucial pathway to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“We recently had meetings in Mauritius with the 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.
European Teams Join the Fray
The inclusion of European teams like Belgium, Germany, and Hong Kong China is a strategic move to elevate the level of competition. “We want to play against teams above us in the rankings to enable us to become competitive,” Mutai said. This exposure is essential for the Simbas, who have shown great potential but need more experience against top-tier teams to advance in the international rankings.
Cost-Effective Co-Hosting Strategy
Mutai highlighted that co-hosting the championship is the most cost-effective and efficient way to ensure the teams play at the highest level. “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,” he noted. This collaborative approach not only reduces costs but also fosters regional cooperation and camaraderie among the African rugby nations.
Preparation for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup
All efforts are geared towards ensuring the Simbas are well-prepared for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup. The tour will serve as an early preparation phase, allowing the team to identify and rectify any weaknesses ahead of the qualifiers. “We want to start our preparation for the qualifiers early. We believe this Tour will be good preparation,” Mutai added.
Upcoming Matches and Squad Details
The Simbas are currently in camp, gearing up for the Rugby Africa Cup scheduled to take place in Uganda from Thursday, July 18, to Monday, July 29. They will depart on Thursday, ahead of their first pool match against Senegal on Saturday, July 20. The winner of the Kenya vs. Senegal clash will advance to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the quarterfinal match between Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire on Wednesday, July 24.
The match between Namibia and Burkina Faso will determine who meets the winner of the Zimbabwe vs. Uganda quarterfinal.
Simbas’ Squad to Uganda
Travelling Squad:
- Ephraim Oduor
- Edward Mwaura
- Eugene Sifuna
- Teddy Akala
- Griffin Musila
- Wilhite Mususi
- Hillary Mwanjilwa
- Hibrahim Ayoo
- Clinton Odhiambo
- Hillary Odhiambo
- Malcolm Onsando
- George Nyambua
- Thomas Okeyo
- Obat Kuke
- Jeanson Musoga
- Elkeans Musonye
- Michael Wanjala
- Samson Onsomu
- Barry Young
- Beldad Ogeta
- Derrick Ashihundu
- Walter Okoth
- Paul Mutsami
- Richel Wagila
- Bryceson Adaka
- Timothy Okwemba
- Alfred Orege
- Abdultwalib Wesonga
Non-Travelling Reserves:
- Francis Atiti
- Amos Obae
- Dan Angwech
- Tyson Maina
- Griffin Chao
- Quinto Ongo
Technical Team:
- Head Coach: Jerome Paarwater
- Team Manager: Jimmy Mnene
- Physio: Stephen Mankone
Conclusion
The Africa Tour 15s championship represents a significant step forward for the Simbas and other participating African teams. By competing against higher-ranked European teams, the Simbas aim to gain valuable experience and improve their chances of qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The collaborative hosting approach ensures that the tournament is cost-effective while providing high-quality competition. As the Simbas prepare for their upcoming matches, the entire nation will be rooting for them in their quest for rugby glory.
ALSO READ:Gor Mahia’s Resilient Effort Not Enough Against Al Hilal in CECAFA Kagame Cup Finale
