The men’s national rugby 15s head coach Jerome Paarwater has announced the 23-man squad that will take on Uganda in the opening leg of the Elgon Cup 2024 set to be staged at the RFUEA Grounds on Saturday 9 November.
The squad features a combination of several veterans and a set of new players who are expected to offer a blend of experience and new energy as the team tries to defend the Elgon Cup title.
Skipper George Nyambua will lead the squad and will be assisted by Eugene Sifuna and Barry Young.
Play here and stand a chance of winning the over 390 Million SportPesa Mega Jackpot
Kenya under 20 international Andycole Omolo is set to debut for the Simbas alongside KCB’s Tyson Maina and Kabras Sugar’s Griffin Chao.
Ephraim Oduor starts at prop together with Wilhite Mususi as Sifuna closes the front row at hooker. Emmanuel Silungi and Hillary Odhiambo pair up in second row.
Nyambua holds the back row together with debutant Andycole at number six and seven respectively with Jeanson Misoga starting as the eighth man.
ALSO READ: Kenya 7s land in Dubai 7s group of death in first tournament back on the World Series
The half-back pairing will feature Brian Wahinya at scrumhalf and Barry Young at flyhalf.
Walter Okoth and Maina will be in charge of the midfield at 12 and 13 respectively with Alfred Orege and Chao manning the wings. Menengai Oilers’ Timothy Omela will be the fullback.
The squad sees the return of Fijian-born Kenyan international Jone Kubu who will be in line for his first match since a one-year injury layoff.
ALSO READ: Kenya Lionesses chase Challenger Series 2025 spot in Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens 2024
Elgon Cup 2024
Kenya Simbas Squad
1. Ephraim Oduor
2. Eugene Sifuna – VC
3. Wilhite Mususi
4. Emmanuel Silungi
5. Hillary Odhiambo
6. George Nyambua – C
7. Andycole Omolo *
8. Jeanson Misoga
9. Brian Wahinya
10. Barry Young – VC
11. Alfred Orege
12. Walter Okoth
13. Tyson Maina *
14. Griffin Chao *
15. Timothy Omela
Replacements
16. Griffin Musila
17. Edward Mwaura
18. Hibrahim Ayoo
19. Ernest Obat Kuke
20. Elkeans Musonye
21. Samson Onsomu
22. Jone Kubu
23. Paul Mutsami
