- Chipu beat Zimbabwe 35-23 to book their place in the 2026 Rugby Africa Barthes Trophy final against Namibia.
- The Performance Division semifinal was played on Friday, August 7, at Mutesa II Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
- The final will be played on Tuesday, August 11, from 3 p.m. EAT, with a spot in the World Rugby Junior Trophy also up for grabs.
Kenya’s U20 boy’s rugby team, Chipu, kept their hopes of reclaiming the Rugby Africa Barthes Trophy title alive after beating Zimbabwe Junior Sables 35-23 at Wankulukuku in Uganda on Friday.
Playing in a revamped format that saw them placed in the Performance Division alongside also Namibia and Tunisia, the tournament kicked off at the semifinal stage.
Thus, the Simon Jawichre-coached side’s victory saw them book a place in the final of the division, where they will face defending champions Namibia on Tuesday after the Namibians saw off Tunisia 11-6 in a thrilling comeback at the same venue.
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Now, the two three-time champions will meet at the same ground in the final, with each setting their sights on a fourth title while also chasing historic qualification for the World Rugby Junior Trophy tournament.
Against the Junior Sables, Chipu hit the ground running, with Faran Juma’s early boot setting the tone before tries from Brian Kiptoo, Rayvone Ambale, and Mike Lukusi powered them to a 23-6 halftime cushion.
Zimbabwe fought back after the break, cutting the deficit to seven points and briefly rattling the Kenyans. But Chipu showed real character in response.
Jibril Joseph crashed over from a rolling maul, while Dennis Ndayala’s brilliant finish stretched the lead to 35-16, killing off any hope of a comeback.
A late Zimbabwe try by Michael Chimedza was nothing more than a consolation. This was a composed, hungry performance from Kenya, who now turn their focus to the final.
The title is within reach, and with this kind of firepower, they will back themselves to go all the way.
Chipu Starting XV Against Junior Sables at 2026 Barthes Trophy semis
- Chipu Starting XV: Daudi Jabita, Jibril Joseph, Mike Muriithi, Thomas Odhiambo, Jaden Oyier, John Ombango, Maxwell Kipsang, Justine Ng’ombe, Michael Olukusi, Jackson Siketi, Abdul Zubeir, Rayvon Ambale, Dennis Ndayala, Brian Kiptanui, Faran Juma.
- Replacements: Monda Tsuyoshi, Jacktone Olali, Innocent Indeche, Joshua Suja, Aldrine Andaje, Matrix Matanga, Loren Myanolo, Ezekiel Apida.
2026 U20 Barthes Trophy Results & Fixtures
Performance Division
Friday, August 7
- Namibia 11-6 Tunisia – 10:00 a.m.
- Kenya 35-23 Zimbabwe – 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 11
- Loser: Tunisia vs Zimbabwe – 12:00 p.m.
- Winner: Namibia vs Winner: Kenya – 3:00 p.m.
First Division
Friday, August 7
Uganda vs Zambia – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 11
Zambia vs Madagascar – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 15
Uganda vs Madagascar – 4:00 p.m.