The men’s national rugby 15s side, Kenya Simbas, on Tuesday named its final 28-man squad that will represent the country in the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 serving as Africa’s qualification tournament for the Rugby World Cup 2027.
In the squad released, regular faces in Beldad Ogeta and the experienced Samson Onsomu failed to make the travelling contingent, leading to a couple of raised eyebrows in the rugby fraternity.
SportPesa Blog can now reveal why the Menengai Oilers duo were not included in the squad as disclosed by team manager Jimmy Mnene.
“Ogeta suffered a deep cut on the lip while the Simbas played against the Junior Boks in South Africa and that injury, which he is still recovering from, effectively ruled him out of the squad. Onsomu is sustaining a soft tissue injury which has prevented him from making the squad,” Mnene told SportPesa Blog.
Mnene exuded confidence in the selected squad, describing them as the best picks heading into the eight-team tournament.
“In terms of the players we have, I honestly believe and to echo the words of the head coach, we have the best players we could have hoped for coming with us to Uganda,” Mnene noted.
The squad which will be led by the seasoned 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.
ALSO READ: Why Jone Kubu made final Kenya Simbas squad despite missing SA camp
4 players in line for Kenya Simbas debut
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.
4 players are in line for their debut and they include Samuel Ovwamu who had an outstanding Kenya Cup campaign in the 24/25 season with Oilers.
He will be joined by teammate Vincent Mwikhali, David Bunduki, who plies his trade with South African outfit Griffons RFC, and Patrick Sabatia from Kabras Sugar RFC.
Kenya begin their campaign against Uganda on 8 July in the quarterfinals with only the winner booking a ticket to the Rugby World Cup 2027 taking place in Australia.
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
Play here and stand a chance of winning the 10 million SportPesa Midweek Jackpot
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