Highly rated Kabras Sugar RFC player Jone Kubu made the headlines on Tuesday morning after being included in the final Kenya Simbas squad that will be heading to the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 serving as the African qualifier for the Rugby World Cup 2027.
In the 28-man squad, Kubu’s inclusion was unique as he was the only player who made the travelling squad despite not taking part in the team’s month-long training camp in South Africa, a crucial preparation stage for the tournament.
Speaking during the squad announcement, Kenya Simbas team manager Jimmy Mnene disclosed why the Fijian-born Kenyan international was handed a place in the team bidding to make history as they seek to qualify for a first-ever Rugby World Cup tournament.
Jone Kubu joins Kenya Simbas
“Kubu was part of the larger squad. We had named an initial 53-man squad which he was part of. He then had to take some time off and went home for personal reasons. For us as a team, the individual comes first before the team and we were fine with him going home.
He has been preparing and we have been monitoring him over the last one month. Obviously, we would have loved to have him in South Africa, but definitely his wellbeing and family comes first.
He is ready for Uganda and has always been part of us. He was with us for the Elgon Cup last year where he was returning from a long injury and is a seasoned Simbas player,” Mnene told SportPesa Blog.
SportPesa Blog can reveal that Kubu flew straight home to Fiji from the USA after the conclusion of the 2024/2025 HSBC SVNS Series where Kenya booked a ticket to the newly introduced Division 2 after securing a 24-5 win over Canada in the playoff final at the Los Angeles 7s.
The Fijian is expected back in the country on Tuesday evening ahead of the team’s departure early Thursday morning.
ALSO READ: Kubu in as Kenya Simbas name include 4 debutants final squad for Rugby World Cup 2027 qualifier
Paarwater includes 4 debutants
Aside from Kubu, 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 and will be joined by teammate Vincent Mwikhali.
David Bunduki, who plies his trade with South African outfit Novavit 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.
Kenya Simbas 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 qualifies directly
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)
SF 1: Winner QF 1 vs QF 4
SF 2: Winner QF 2 vs QF 3
Final (19 July)
Winner SF 1 vs Winner SF 2