Kenya Simbas part of 6 African and European nations set for Africa Tour 15s Championship

The Kenya rugby men's 15's national team; Simbas could be on the right track to success if the recent announcement is anything to go by.

Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe are set to compete in the one-of-a-kind Africa Tour 15s championship slated for November. The championship will also attract European sides in a bid to hand exposure to the African sides.

Confirming the news, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman Sasha Mutai noted that the move will be key in exposing the sides to high-intensity matches. It is especially crucial for the Simbas who are hoping to qualify for their maiden Rugby World Cup in 2027.

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“We recently had meetings in Mauritius with presidents of Zimbabwe and Uganda (federations) where we decided to start these tours to improve our chances of qualifying for the 2027 World Cup,” the chairman offered.

The tournament will attract European sides like Belgium who are ranked 27th in the world, Germany (31st), and Hong Kong China (24th).

“We want to play against teams above us in the rankings to enable us to become competitive," he said.

Co-hosting the championship, according to Mutai, was the cheapest and most efficient way to ensure the teams play at the highest level.

"Hosting a test match would be costly if you factor in air tickets, accommodation logistics and local transport. But a joint Tour means the three countries will share the expenses," he observed.

All these efforts are geared to ensuring the Simbas perform well in the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup which is the pathway to qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

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“We want to start our preparation for the qualifiers early. We believe this Tour will be good preparation," added Mutai.

The Simbas are currently in camp as they await the Rugby Africa Cup slated for Uganda from Thursday 18- Monday 29 July. They will depart on Thursday ahead of their first pool match against Senegal on Saturday 20 July.

The winners of the Kenya vs Senegal clash will advance to the semis, where they play the winner of the quarterfinal clash pitting Algeria against Cote d'Ivoire on Wednesday 24 July.

The winner of the match between Namibia and Burkina Faso will meet the Zimbabwe vs Uganda quarterfinal winner.

Simbas' squad to Uganda

Travelling Squad: 1. Ephraim Oduor 2. Edward Mwaura 3. Eugene Sifuna 4. Teddy Akala 5. Griffin Musila 6. Wilhite Mususi 7. Hillary Mwanjilwa 8. Hibrahim Ayoo 9. Clinton Odhiambo 10. Hillary Odhiambo 11. Malcolm Onsando 12. George Nyambua 13. Thomas Okeyo 14. Obat Kuke 15. Jeanson Musoga 16. Elkeans Musonye 17. Michael Wanjala 18. Samson Onsomu 19. Barry Young 20. Beldad Ogeta 21. Derrick Ashihundu 23. Walter Okoth 24. Paul Mutsami 25. Richel Wagila 26. Bryceson Adaka 27. Timothy Okwemba 28. Alfred Orege 29. Abdultwalib Wesonga

Non-Travelling Reserves:

1. Francis Atiti 2. Amos Obae 3. Dan Angwech 4. Tyson Maina 5. Griffin Chao 6. Quinto Ongo

Technical Team:

Head Coach – Jerome Paarwater

Team Manager – Jimmy Mnene

Physio – Stephen Mankone