Kenya Simbas schedule in South Africa as they gear up for Rugby World Cup

The Kenya Simbas are in South Africa for a high-stakes tour as they gear up for the Rugby Africa Cup (RAC)—a tournament that could secure them a direct ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has confirmed that the tour will kick off on Tuesday, 3rd June, with a clash against SWD Eagles in George. The team will then have a six-day break before locking horns with the South Africa U20 side in Stellenbosch on Monday, 9th June.

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Another fixture against the Junior Boks is lined up for Saturday, 14th June, in the same town, offering the Simbas a back-to-back test against one of the strongest youth setups in world rugby.

On Friday, 20th June, the Simbas will shift base to Wellington to face Sanlam Boland, before wrapping up the tour with two games against Limpopo on 24th and 26th June.

The South African tour forms a key part of the Simbas’ preparations for the RAC — the qualifying gateway to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

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With the tournament expanding from 20 to 24 teams, the Simbas’ chances are more tangible than ever — but only if they seize the moment.

Kenya came heartbreakingly close in 2022, falling to Namibia in the RAC final. In 2023, they slipped to fourth place after a narrow 20–12 loss to Algeria in the third-place playoff.

This time, however, head coach Jerome Paarwater is banking on a more cohesive and dynamic unit.

The squad boasts some of the finest local talent from the Kenya Cup, including final MVP Patrick Sabatia, red-hot winger Collins Indeche, and flanker Samuel Ovwamu.

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Also making the squad are Menengai Oilers prop Vincent Mwikhali, as well as Brian Juma and Derrick Ashihundu, while the Kenya 7s trio of Samuel Asati, John Okoth, and Brian Tanga add explosive pace and sevens experience.

Foreign-based players Melvin Thairu and Bethuel Anami are in camp, alongside South Africa-based David Bunduki and Thomas Okeyo, who joined the squad on arrival. Injured back-rower Hillary Mwanjilwa is also in training as he works toward full recovery.

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Kenya Simbas tour schedule – June 2025

George – 3rd June: Simbas vs SWD Eagles

Stellenbosch – 9th June: Simbas vs South Africa U20

Stellenbosch – 14th June: Simbas vs South Africa U20

Wellington – 20th June: Simbas vs Sanlam Boland

Limpopo – 24th June: Simbas vs Limpopo

Limpopo – 26th June: Simbas vs Limpopo

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