- The Kenya Simbas management, led by head coach Jerome Paarwater, has named the final squad set to travel to South Africa for a training tour in preparation for the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifiers, which will be held in Uganda.
- The squad consists of 33 players, selected following an international friendly match against UAE Rugby over the weekend.
- The 33-man delegation is scheduled to depart for South Africa later this week.
The Kenya Simbas management, has unveiled the final 33-man squad set to travel to South Africa for a month-long high-performance training camp in preparation for the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifiers to be held in Uganda.
On Saturday, 24th May 2025, the Simbas played an international friendly against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a kickoff to their qualification preparations.
The Kenyan side secured a dominant 54–24 victory, marking the conclusion of their domestic training phase, which had been held in Kakamega from 12th to 18th May.
The match, segmented into three 30-minute intervals, provided the coaching team with a final opportunity to whittle down the extended training group of 53 to the traveling 33.
The selected squad comprises a seasoned core led by captain George Nyambua, complemented by electrifying newcomers such as Samuel Ovwamu and Collins Indeche.
Veterans like John Okoth, Samuel Asati, and Bethwel Anami also make a return, having represented Kenya during the 2023 World Cup qualifiers in France.
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Reflecting on the selection process, Coach Paarwater remarked,
As mentioned it was a tough selection for us to trim the squad from 53 to 33, as all the players really showed up, we have picked what we believe is the best in the country at the moment and are looking forward to the challenge in SA.
We will be able to rotate the team as need be based on form, discipline and injuries, so there are no holidays for the players who haven’t been selected. We can call upon them at any time, as we know what they can do.”
Kenya Simbas South African tour structure
The training tour in South Africa will unfold in two distinct phases
- Phase One (May 28 – June 22): Held in Cape Town in collaboration with the Western Province Rugby Union, this phase features Saturday fixtures against Currie Cup sides and midweek contact sessions with elite clubs and university teams.
- Phase Two (June 22 – 27): Taking place in Nylstroom, this segment will involve joint sessions with the Blue Bulls, including competitive matchups against their Currie Cup squads on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The 33-man delegation will depart for South Africa later this week.
They will be joined during the final leg in Limpopo by South African-based duo David Bunduki and Thomas Okeyo, courtesy of the Blue Bulls.
Additionally, Hillary Mwanjilwa—who is currently undergoing a return-to-play protocol following a prolonged injury absence—will also rejoin the team.
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The squad is scheduled to return to Kenya on June 27, hold a final training camp from July 1–2, and depart for Uganda on July 3 to commence their World Cup qualification campaign.
Kenya will face formidable opposition in the qualifiers, including Zimbabwe, Algeria, Senegal, Uganda, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, and Namibia.
Kenya Simbas Squad for South Africa
Ephraim Oduor, Edward Mwaura, Eugene Sifuna, Teddy Akala, Brian Juma, Andycole Omolo, Emanuel Silungi, George Nyambua, Patrick Sabatia, Elvis Olukusi, Collins Indeche, Bethuel Anami, Elkeans Musonye, Obat Kuke, Tyson Juma, Vincent Mwikhali, Hibrahim Ayoo Samuel Asati, Samson Onsomu, Brian Tanga, Barry Young, Brian Wahinya, Griffin Chao, Beldad Ogeta, Walter Okoth, Samuel Ovwamu, Bryceson Adaka, John Okoth, Timothy Omela, Derrick Ashihundu, David Bunduki (Griffons RFC), Thomas Okeyo (Griffons RFC), Hillary Mwanjilwa (under rehabilitation)
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