- Kenya Simbas face Uganda Cranes in the final Rugby Africa Cup (RAC) 2025 quarterfinal on Tuesday, July 8.
- Kick-off is set for 16:00 EAT at the Namboole Stadium.
- The winner will meet either Zimbabwe or Morocco in the semifinals on July 12.
The national men’s rugby 15s side, the Kenya Simbas, will kick off their campaign for the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifiers today as they face archrivals Uganda in the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup at 4:00 PM EAT.
Having finished fourth in the 2024 edition, Jerome Paarwater’s charges are eager to bounce back from that disappointment and make a strong statement in the eight-team tournament, hosted for the second consecutive time at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, Uganda.
The Simbas have undergone serious preparations, including international friendlies most notably against the UAE in Nairobi, followed by an intensive training camp in South Africa last month, where they played at least eight matches to refine their skills and enhance team synergy.
Aiming to surpass their 2022 qualifying performance, where they finished runners-up behind Namibia, coach Paarwater has already announced a strong starting lineup to launch their World Cup journey with momentum.
The team will be captained by the experienced George Nyambua, who will look to inspire promising youngster Andycole Omollo, making his debut in a World Cup qualifier, in the locks department.
Fijian-born Kenyan international Jone Kubu will start at fullback, joined on the wings by Timothy Omela and Griffin Chao.
ALSO READ: RAC 25: Kubu starts as Sabatia makes Kenya Simbas debut in quarterfinal clash against Uganda
The midfield pairing features Kabras duo Walter Okoth and Bryceson Adaka, forming a formidable center combination.
Samuel Asati and Barry Young will assume the scrumhalf and flyhalf roles respectively, directing play from the base.
In the forwards pack, Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna, and Wilhite Mususi will anchor the front row. South African-based Thomas Okeyo joins Patrick Sabatia, who is set for his debut, on the flanks, while French-based Bethuel Anami starts at number 8.
On the opposing side, hosts Uganda are equally determined to secure their first-ever Rugby World Cup ticket.
After finishing fifth in the 2024 edition, the Rugby Cranes are intent on improving their continental standing.
ALSO READ: Rugby Africa Cup 2025 guide: Teams, format, where to watch, venue, what’s at stake & kickoff times
Like Kenya, Uganda has undergone intensive pre-tournament training, including a promising display in a narrow 19–22 loss to Namibia, although a recent 0–102 defeat to South Africa’s Pumas was a sobering setback.
Head coach Fred Mudoola has also named his starting XV, with a notable inclusion being Philip Wokorach, who returns at fullback following his stint in India’s Rugby Premier League.
Kenya Simbas vs Uganda captains speak ahead of showdown
Speaking ahead of the match, Kenya captain George Nyambua expressed confidence in the team’s readiness:
We had a tour of South Africa for a month, which was very good for team bonding. We had a two-day break back home in Kenya to see our families after we returned from South Africa, then we came here.
We have a slightly different team from the one we had last year; these are qualifiers and we are taking them seriously. The alignment camp we had plus the SA tour were very important.”
On the other hand, Uganda captain Byron Oketayot acknowledged Kenya’s strength but assured fans of their preparedness:
They always give us a hard time,” said Uganda captain Byron Oketayot. “But we are ready for whatever they have for us. We are ready for the contest, you know, this is the game of rugby, expect anything.”
With the home crowd expected to turn out in large numbers, Oketayot added:
It is really special to play in front of them. A lot of family, a lot of friends, hearing the same voices all the time. That’s always extra motivation.”
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Kenya Simbas vs Rugby Cranes previous encounters
The last time the two sides met in the Rugby Africa Cup, Kenya triumphed 42–7 in France to advance to the 2022 semi-finals before eventually falling to Namibia in the final.
Their most recent clash came in a two-legged Elgon Cup 2024, where Kenya won both matches 25–27 in the first leg and a convincing 21–5 victory at King’s Park Arena in the return leg.
Starting Lineups – Rugby Africa Cup 2025 quarterfinals
Kenya Simbas Starting XV: Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna, Wilhite Mususi, George Nyambua (captain), Andycole Omollo, Thomas Okeyo, Patrick Sabatia, Bethuel Anami, Samuel Asati, Barry Young, Griffin Chao, Walter Okoth, Bryceson Adaka, Timothy Omela, Jone Kubu.
Replacements: Teddy Akala, Edward Mwaura, Vincent Mwkhali, Hibrahim Ayoo, David Bunduki, Obat Kuke, Brian Tanga, John Okoth.
Rugby Cranes Starting XV: Ssenteza Wyclif, Santos Bwambale, Nathan Asiimwe, Maido Fahad, Opio Julius, Gongodyo Sidney, Gyabi Kidega Frank (vice-captain), Byron Oketayot (captain), Ogena Pius, Oforywoth Aaron, Jadwong Joseph, Aredo Kasito, Adrian Massanganzira, Isaac Munyani, Philip Wokorach.
Bench: Emiemu Edward, Ayebazibwe Blair, Kivumbi Saul, Emong Eliphaz, Aturinda Alex, Wandera Conrad, Wanyama Liam (vice-captain), Kisiga Timothy.
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.
Rugby Africa Cup 2025 quarter finals (8 July)
- QF 1: Zimbabwe vs Morocco (10AMEAT)
- QF 2: Algeria vs Cote d’Ivoire (12PM EAT)
- QF 3: Namibia vs Senegal (2PM EAT)
- QF 4: Kenya vs Uganda (4 PM EAT)
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