Kenya Simbas name 47-man squad for 2027 Rugby World Cup Qualifier preparations

The Kenya Rugby Union has named a 47-man Kenya Simbas squad that will begin preparations for the upcoming Rugby Africa Cup (RAC) 2025 which will be held in Uganda this July.

The tournament will feature eight powerhouses in Africa and will serve as a pathway for the winner to qualify for the men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.

The runner-up in the 2025 RAC will have another opportunity to secure RWC qualification through a pre-repechage playoff match against Asia.

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The Simbas, who finished fourth in last year’s edition, will compete against Rugby Africa Cup defending champions Zimbabwe, who secured victory against Algeria in the final of the 2024 tournament.

Joining them will be Namibia, Senegal, Zimbabwe and Côte d’Ivoire.

Additionally, the winner of the 2024 Men’s Rugby Africa Cup Repechage, taking place later this year in Morocco and Tunisia, will also be included.

The Kenya Simbas have been training in Kakamega since Sunday 26 under the guidance of head coach Jerome Paarwater in preparation for the competition.

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Kenya Simbas squad

1. Melvin Thairu – Loosehead Prop – SCM Rugby Timisoara
2. Edward Mwaura – Loosehead Prop – Kabras Sugar RFC
3. Ian Njenga – Loosehead Prop – CSA Steaua
4. Andrew Siminyu – Loosehead Prop – University of Johannesburg
5. Eugene Sifuna – Hooker – Kabras Sugar RFC
6. Celestine Mboi – Hooker – Menengai Oilers
7. Khaidar Mohamed – Hooker/Loosehead Prop – Kenya Harlequin FC
8. Teddy Akala – Hooker – Kabras Sugar RFC
9. Griffin Musila – Hooker – KCB RC
10. Wilhite Mususi – Tighthead Prop – KCB RC
11. Ephraim Oduor – Tighthead Prop – Kabras Sugar RFC
12. Desterious Ifedha – Tighthead Prop – Menengai Oilers
13. Emmanuel Otieno – Tighthead Prop – Kabras Sugar RFC
14. Erick Miheso – Tighthead Prop – KCB RC
15. Hibrahim Ayoo – Lock – Menengai Oilers
16. Andycole Omollo – Lock – KCB RC
17. Hillary Odhiambo – Lock – Kabras Sugar RFC
18. Hillary Baraza – Lock – Nondies RFC
19. Emmanuel Silungi – Lock – KCB RC
20. George Nyambua – Blindside Flanker – Kabras Sugar RFC
21. Collins Indeche – Blindside Flanker – Kabras Sugar RFC
22. Ahmos Obae – Blindside Flanker – Menengai Oilers
23. Charles Omondi – Openside Flanker – Nondies RFC
24. Elkeans Musonye – Openside Flanker – Menengai Oilers
25. Clinton Odhiambo – Openside Flanker – Menengai Oilers
26. Jeanson Misoga – Number 8 – Kabras Sugar RFC
27. Sheldon Kahi – Number 8 – Kenya Harlequin FC
28. Obat Kuke – Number 8 – KU Blak Blad
29. Cornelius Mokoro – Scrum Half – CSA Steaua
30. Samson Onsomu – Scrum Half – Menengai Cream Oilers
31. Emmanuel Opondo – Scrum Half – KCB RC
32. Brian Wahinya – Flyhalf – KCB RC
33. Barry Young – Flyhalf – Kabras Sugar RFC
34. Jone Kubu – Flyhalf – Kabras Sugar RFC
35. Beldad Ogeta – Left Wing – Menengai Oilers
36. Griffin Chao – Left Wing – Kabras Sugar RFC
37. Walter Okoth – Inside Centre – Kabras Sugar RFC
38. Wiseman Aganya – Inside Centre – Kenya Harlequin FC
39. Paul Mutsami – Inside Centre – Kenya Harlequin FC
40. Richel Wagila – Outside Centre – Kenya Harlequin FC
41. Bryceson Adaka – Outside Centre – Kabras Sugar RFC
42. Charles Odhiambo – Outside Centre – Nondies RFC
43. Tyson Maina – Outside Centre – KCB RC
44. Derrick Ashihundu – Right Wing – Kabras Sugar RFC
45. Alfred Orege – Right Wing – Kabras Sugar RFC
46. Abdultwalib Wesonga – Full Back – Menengai Oilers
47. Timothy Omela – Full Back – Menengai Oilers

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