The men’s national rugby 15s side, Kenya Simbas, has unveiled its final 28-man squad that will represent the country in the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 set to take place in Kampala, Uganda from 8 to 19 July.
In the tournament serving as the Rugby World Cup 2027 qualifier for the African sides, Kenya Simbas have named four debutants in the Jerome Paarwater-coached side.
Menengai Oilers back Samuel Ovwamu, who had an outstanding Kenya Cup campaign in the 24/25 season, is among the quartet that has received their maiden call up while and will be joined by teammate Vincent Mwikhali.
David Bunduki, who plies his trade with South African outfit Griffons RFC, is also in line for his debut with Patrick Sabatia from Kabras Sugar RFC completing the list.
The squad which will be led by the season George Nyambua also includes Kenya 7s players Samuel Asati and Brian Tanga.
Fijian-born Kenyan international Jone Kubu has also been included in the side despite not taking part in the team’s final training camp.
The team travelled to South Africa at the end of May for a month-long training camp in preparation for the tournament they have not won since 2013.
They begin their campaign against Uganda on 8 July in the quarterfinals.
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Kenya Simbas Travelling Squad to Uganda
Ephraim Oduor – Kabras Sugar RFC
Edward Mwaura – Kabras Sugar RFC
Eugene Sifuna – Kabras Sugar RFC
Teddy Akala – Kabras Sugar RFC
Wilhite Mususi – KCB RFC
Vincent Mwikhali – Menengai Oilers RFC *
Hibrahim Ayoo – Menengai Oilers RFC
Andycole Omolo – KCB RFC
Emanuel Silungi – KCB RFC
George Nyambua – Kabras Sugar RFC
Patrick Sabatia – Kabras Sugar RFC *
Bethuel Anami – MLSGP 78
Elkeans Musonye – Menengai Oilers RFC
Obat Kuke – Blak Blad RFC
Samuel Asati – KCB RFC
Brian Tanga – Kabras Sugar RFC
Barry Young – Kabras Sugar RFC
Brian Wahinya – KCB RFC
Griffin Chao – Kabras Sugar RFC
Walter Okoth – Kabras Sugar RFC
Samuel Ovwamu – Menengai Oilers RFC *
Bryceson Adaka – Kabras Sugar RFC
John Okoth – Menengai Oilers RFC
Timothy Omela – Menengai Oilers RFC
Derrick Ashihundu – Kabras Sugar RFC
David Bunduki – Griffons RFC *
Thomas Okeyo – Griffons RFC
Jone Kubu – Kabras Sugar RFC
AFRICA – 1 TEAM
The Rugby Africa Men’s Cup 2025 champions will qualify directly for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027. The runner-up will progress to the Asia/Africa Play-off.
Nations involved: Algeria, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Namibia, Senegal, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Morocco.
ALSO READ: How Kenya 7s can regain top-tier status following format change by World Rugby
Rugby Africa Cup 2025 quarter finals (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 QF 4
Winner QF 2 vs QF 3
Final (19 July)
Winner SF 1 vs Winner SF 2
