- The Kenya U20 squad comprises a mix of new and returning players, set to defend the Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy this month in Zimbabwe.
- Four nations—Kenya U20, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Tunisia—will battle for continental supremacy.
- Notably absent is Jackson Siketi, who has been sidelined due to injury.
Kenya U20 (Chipu) head coach Simon Jawichre has unveiled a 28-man squad set to represent Kenya in the Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy, taking place in Zimbabwe from April 17th to 28th.
The prestigious tournament, which showcases Africa’s elite under-20 rugby talent, will see defending champions Chipu aim to retain their crown and solidify their dominance on the continent.
Four nations—Kenya U20, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Tunisia will compete for continental supremacy, with matches slated across three game days at the Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare.
The Kenyan squad boasts a dynamic blend of emerging stars and experienced returnees, with eight players retained from last year’s successful campaign.
Fresh faces in the lineup include Willison Tonya of Menengai Oilers and Kabras Sugar trio Michael Muriithi, Roy Maruti, and Branton Lusasi. Oilers’ duo Glacious Owino and Brian Achacha, along with Nakuru RFC flyer Javan Okwaro, round out the list of promising new additions.
Returning stalwarts such as Faran Juma, Eddy Otieno, Benedict Muiruri, Dennis Ndayala, Daniel Kipchirchir, and Brian Kiptoo have also been named, having featured in last year’s World Rugby U20 Trophy.
Notably absent is Jackson Siketi, who has been sidelined by injury.
Coach Jawichre expectations
Speaking on the squad selection, Coach Jawichre acknowledged the hurdles faced in finalizing the team, particularly in processing player documentation. Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence in the group’s capability, describing the players as “well balanced in skills and physical preparedness”.
Looking ahead to the tournament, Jawichre did not shy away from the weight of expectations. “We’re going into this tournament as defending champions. Our target is to create history,” he affirmed, while also acknowledging the tough road that lies ahead.
Chipu will begin their title defense against Tunisia on April 19th at 1:00 PM, followed by a clash with Namibia on the 23rd, and their final group match against hosts Zimbabwe on the 27th.
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2025 Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy Fixtures
Matchday 1 – Saturday, 19 April
- Kenya vs Tunisia
- Zimbabwe vs Namibia
Matchday 2 – Wednesday, 23 April
- Kenya vs Namibia
- Zimbabwe vs Tunisia
Matchday 3 – Sunday, 27 April
- Kenya vs Zimbabwe
- Tunisia vs Namibia
Kenya U20 Barthés Trophy Squad – Zimbabwe 2025
- Darrell Roy
- Faran Juma
- Eugene Mutanda
- Kinyua Waiyaki
- Eddy Otieno
- Benedict Muiruri
- Brian Kiptanui
- Daniel Kipchirchir
- Dennis Ndayala
- Brian Omondi
- Terrence Ogutu
- Almasi Wachira
- Michael Muriithi
- Erick Juma
- Javan Okwaro
- Josphat Njue
- Leon Onduso
- Simon Buluku
- Elias Onyango
- Justine Ng’ombe
- Willison Tonya
- Glacious Owino
- Brian Oyugi
- John Asega
- Tony Rebel
- Roymark Maruti
- Emmanuel Adoyo
- Branton Lusasi