- Kenya Simbas are set to take part in the upcoming 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, scheduled to run from 8–19 July at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
- The Simbas, captained by George Nyambua, will kick off their campaign on Tuesday, 8 July, in a knockout fixture against hosts Uganda.
- Head coach Jerome Paarwater is confident the team is well-prepared for the tournament.
Kenya Simbas men’s national 15s head coach, Jerome Paarwater, has expressed strong confidence in his squad’s preparedness for the upcoming 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, which will take place from 8–19 July at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
Paarwater has officially unveiled a 28-man squad set to represent Kenya in the eight-nation tournament, which also serves as a qualifying pathway to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The tournament winner earns a direct ticket to the World Cup, while the runner-up will have another opportunity via a global repechage, battling teams from other regions for a final berth in the Asia/Africa Play-off.
Speaking after announcing g the squad, the South African tactician expressed satisfaction with the team’s readiness, confirming no injury concerns among the selected players.
The guys are looking well prepared and ready for the tournament in Uganda. We’re glad that we don’t have any serious injuries within the team,” Paarwater told KRU Media.
He further emphasized how their recent training tour in South Africa strengthened team cohesion and provided invaluable lessons.
The squad played nine matches as part of their rigorous preparations for the continental showdown.
There have been a lot of lessons learned in South Africa and the players bonded very well with each other and this improves the teamwork both on and off the field.” He added.
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Meanwhile, Team Manager Jimmy Mnene voiced his satisfaction with the final selection, expressing optimism, particularly about the inclusion of four debutants.
“We are confident in the squad that has been selected and we are confident that we have selected the best team we have. The four new players will bring a fresh feel within the set up,” Mnene stated.
The Simbas, captained by George Nyambua, will begin their campaign on Tuesday, 8 July, in a knockout fixture against hosts Uganda.
They will then face either Zimbabwe or Morocco in the semifinals scheduled for 13 July.
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Kenya Simbas travelling squad to Uganda
Forwards
Loosehead Props
- Ephraim Oduor – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Edward Mwaura – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Wilhite Mususi – KCB RFC
- Vincent Mwikhali – Menengai Oilers RFC
Hookers
- Eugene Sifuna – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Teddy Akala – Kabras Sugar RFC
Locks
- Hibrahim Ayoo – Menengai Oilers RFC
- Thomas Okeyo – NovaVit Griffons (South Africa)
- Andycole Omolo – KCB RFC
- Emanuel Silungi – KCB RFC
Back Rows
- George Nyambua – Kabras Sugar RFC (Captain)
- Patrick Sabatia – Kabras Sugar RFC *
- Bethuel Anami – MLSGP 78
- Elkeans Musonye – Menengai Oilers RFC
- Obat Kuke – Blak Blad RFC
- David Bunduki – Griffons RFC *
Backs
Scrum-halves
- Samuel Asati – KCB RFC
- Brian Tanga – Kabras Sugar RFC
Fly-halves
- Barry Young – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Brian Wahinya – KCB RFC
Wingers
- Griffin Chao – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Timothy Omela – Menengai Oilers RFC
Centres
- Walter Okoth – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Samuel Ovwamu – Menengai Oilers RFC
- Bryceson Adaka – Kabras Sugar RFC
- John Okoth – Menengai Oilers RFC
Fullbacks
- Jone Kubu – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Derrick Ashihundu – Kabras Sugar RFC
*Debutants
Rugby Africa Cup 2025 Schedule
Participating nations: Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Morocco, Algeria, Namibia, Senegal, Ivory Coast
Quarterfinals – 8 July
- QF 1: Zimbabwe vs Morocco
- QF 2: Algeria vs Cote d’Ivoire
- QF 3: Namibia vs Senegal
- QF 4: Kenya vs Uganda
Semifinals – 13 July
- Winner QF 1 vs Winner QF 4
- Winner QF 2 vs Winner QF 3
Final – 19 July
- Winner SF 1 vs Winner SF 2