Kenya’s U20 rugby 15s side, Chipu, kicks off its 2026 Rugby Africa Barthes Trophy Performance Division campaign with a challenging test against Zimbabwe on Friday at Mutesa II Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, from 1pmEAT.
Chipu comes into the tournament aiming to reclaim the title they won back in 2024 on home soil after beating Zimbabwe 28-13, ending the latter’s two-year reign.
However, in the 2025 edition in Zimbabwe, the Simon Jawichre-coached side managed to secure the runners-up position after finishing behind Namibia, who are the reigning champions.
During that campaign, Kenya beat Tunisia 29-21 and edged Junior Sables 21-20 before falling 32-22 to Namibia.
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Coach Jawichre has unveiled a refreshed, youthful squad for the upcoming continental tournament in Kampala, Uganda (August 7–15).
While the roster features new talent, seasoned players like Mike Muriithi, Justine Ng’ombe, Dennis Ndayala, Faran Juma, and Brian Kiptanui have been retained from the 2025 squad to provide crucial experience.
“They played last year in Zimbabwe and have been active for their club sides in the 15s and the ongoing Sevens circuit,” Jawichre said before the clash.
“A good number of our forwards are also returning, and that experience will be key. We will take one match at a time. Zimbabwe is a solid side that plays a style similar to ours. We have studied their video footage, and we hope we can match them.”
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For the opening clash against Zimbabwe, Jawichre has named a formidable starting XV.
Daudi Jabita, Jibril Joseph, and Mike Muriithi anchor the front row, with Thomas Odhiambo and Jaden Oyier in the second row.
John Ombango, Maxwell Kipsang, and Justine Ng’ombe complete the loose-forward trio. Michael Olukusi and Jackson Siketi direct play from halfback, while Abdul Zubeir and Brian Kiptanui patrol the wings.
Rayvon Ambale and Dennis Ndayala combine in midfield, with Faran Juma at fullback.
The bench features impact options including Monda Tsuyoshi, Jacktone Olali, and Ezekiel Apida.
Chipu starting XV against Zimbabwe
- Starters: Jabita, Joseph, Muriithi (front row); Odhiambo, Oyier (locks); Ombango, Kipsang, Ng’ombe (back row); Olukusi, Siketi (halves); Zubeir, Ambale, Ndayala, Kiptanui (backs); Juma (fullback).
- Replacements: Tsuyoshi, Olali, Indeche, Suja, Andaje, Matanga, Myanolo, Apida.
Kenya will be targeting a strong start.
The outcome of Chipu’s clash with Junior Sables will determine the team’s next opponent.
Should Chipu emerge victorious, they will progress to the Performance Division final on August 11, where they will meet the winner between Namibia and Tunisia.
A defeat, however, would see them face the loser of that fixture in the classification match on the same day.
Rugby Africa hopes the new structure will create more balanced contests by grouping teams with similar levels of competition.
Unlike previous editions, the revamped tournament format divides participating teams into two separate divisions.
Uganda, Zambia, and Madagascar make up the First Division, while Kenya joins Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Tunisia in the Performance Division.
2026 U20 Barthes Trophy fixtures
Performance Division
Friday, August 7
Namibia vs Tunisia – 10:00 a.m.
Kenya vs Zimbabwe – 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 11
Loser: Namibia/Tunisia vs Loser: Kenya/Zimbabwe – 12:00 p.m.
Winner: Namibia/Tunisia vs Winner: Kenya/Zimbabwe – 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.