Kenya Under-20 national team, Chipu, are the new Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy champions after a strong 33-14 win over Namibia in the final at Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku reclaiming the title they last won in 2024
The Chipu produced a confident performance from the opening whistle, keeping the defending champions under pressure with their ball movement, physical carries and quick attacking transitions.
Kenya took the lead through Michael Lukusi, who sold a dummy pass before finding space in the Namibian defence and racing over for the opening try. Rayvon Ambale converted to put Kenya 7-0 up.
Chipu beat Namibia to reclaim Barthes Trophy
The Junior Chipu kept their foot on the pedal and were rewarded with another try before halftime. Ambale again made no mistake with the conversion as Kenya went into the break leading 14-0.
Namibia returned from the break with more intent and immediately looked to put Kenya on the back foot. They were awarded a penalty early in the second half, but the kick went wide.
The 2025 Champions eventually got their first points after forcing their way over the line from a pick-and-drive, with the successful conversion cutting Kenya’s lead to 14-7.
Kenya responded in style.
Lukusi took a quick tap and drove the attack forward before finding Faran Juma. The full-back then released Jackson Siketi, who finished the move to put Kenya over for their third try.
Ambale could not add the conversion, but Kenya had restored their seven-point cushion and led 19-7.
The influential Ambale then got his name on the scoresheet. He sold another dummy, spotted a gap and burst through the Namibian defensive line before touching down. He converted his own try to give Kenya a 26-7 lead.
Namibia were not ready to give up and responded with their second try in the 64th minute, scoring under the posts before adding the conversion to make it 26-14.
Kenya quickly shut down any hopes of a comeback.
Siketi broke through the defensive line and created space before putting Randy Otuoma through. Otuoma completed the move under the posts, giving Ambale a straightforward conversion and Kenya a 33-14 lead.
The Junior Chipu managed the closing stages well, keeping their defensive shape and preventing Namibia from finding another way through.
When the final whistle went, Kenya had secured a convincing 33-14 victory and the Barthés Trophy title.
It was a complete team effort from the Chipu, with their forwards providing the platform and the backs making good use of the opportunities created.
Kenya U20 Starting XV
- Daudi Jabita
- Jibril Joseph
- Innocent Indeche
- Thomas Odhiambo
- Joshua Monoo
- John Ombango
- Maxwell Kipsang
- Justine Ng’ombe (C)
- Michael Lukusi
- Jackson Siketi
- Abdul Zubeir
- Rayvon Ambale
- Dennis Ndayala
- Brian Kiptanui
- Faran Juma
Replacements: Monda Tsuyoshi, Jacktone Omanje, Chelsea Otieno, Randy Otuoma, Aldrine Andaje, Matrix Matangi, Loren Nyamolo and Ezekiel Apida.