Kenya’s under-20 rugby team, Chipu, is set to compete in the World Rugby Junior Trophy in Scotland from 2 July to 17 July next month.
Placed in Pool B, Chipu will kick off their campaign against Uruguay on Thursday, 2 July, followed by matches against the Netherlands on Sunday, 7 July, and the USA on Friday, 12 July.
This marks Chipu’s fourth appearance in the tournament, having previously participated in 2009 (Nairobi), 2019 (Brazil), and 2023 (Nairobi).
The squad remains unchanged from the team that clinched the Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy in April.
The roster includes nine players who participated in the 2023 World Rugby Junior Trophy: Geylord Ngasi, Andycole Omolo, Iddo Kuta, Wycliffe Ogutu, Nathan Tsindoli, Patrick Wainaina, Faran Juma, Michael Wamalwa, and James Olela. The team is scheduled to depart for Scotland on Thursday, 27 June.
Head Coach Simon Jawichre expressed confidence in the team’s preparations. “Looking back since the Barthes Trophy, we really wanted our guys to play in the [Rugby] Super Series… a few made it there… quite a number trained without playing. We’ve had two camps after the Super Series… one on our own but we actually had the opportunity to face off with KCB as they were training for the Enterprise Cup. The second week we put ourselves up against the Simbas [the Kenya men’s fifteens senior team] where we had joint sessions together.”
Jawichre highlighted the benefits of these sessions, noting that they were crucial for the players’ mental and physical readiness.
“These sessions helped our boys… it brought [them] up to speed, especially on the mental side of things. When I look at them physically, there’s a few niggly things from the Super Series but all coming in good, they’re coming into shape. The squad going is basically pegged on what we had in Harare. We just wanted to enhance those who were down in one area or another and we focused on just giving them clarity and getting their roles right. To all our stakeholders, KRU, our families, supporters near and wide, pray for us… keep us in prayer and support us in whichever other way you can.”
Chipu’s dedication and rigorous preparation are evident as they aim for the top prize in the tournament. Andycole Omolo, one of the standout players, emphasized the team’s readiness: “We are prepared to compete for the top prize after our success in the Barthes Trophy. Our goal is to qualify for the 2025 World Rugby Junior Championship, and we believe in our capability to achieve this.”
As the tournament winner earns a spot in the 2025 World Rugby Junior Championship, Chipu’s journey in Scotland will be closely watched by fans and supporters eager to see their team succeed on the global stage.
Chipu Squad for World Rugby Junior Trophy
Darrel Oluoch, Ian Nyandusi, Bramwel Mate, Brian Shile, Geylord Ngasi, Hafidh Mohammed, Eugene Etali, Cleyn Okumbi, Andycole Omolo, Eddy Otieno, Iddo Kuta, Wycliffe Ogutu, Nathan Tsindoli, Willy Tino, Edmond Omondi, Patrick Wainaina, Benedict Muiruri, Faran Juma, Philip Okeyo, Alvin Khavoli, Brian Kiptoo, Dennis Ndayala, Kipchirchir Bett, Elvis Otete, Eugene Ojiambo, Jackson Siketi, Michael Wamalwa, James Olela
NON TRAVELLING RESERVES: Jeremy Namiti, John Asega, Jeff Maina, Rogers Omanyi
MANAGEMENT Simon Jawichre (Head Coach), Qondani Katywa, (Assistant Coach), Kenny Andola (Assistant Coach)
