Nairobi set to host continental U20 rugby tournament

The U20 Barthés Trophy will now be held between 24th June to 4th July 2021 after an official announcement was released by Rugby Afrique on their official Twitter page. This news comes after a long period of waiting since the initial tournament had been scheduled to take place in April 2020 but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Rugby Africa announced the successful bid of Kenya Rugby to host the U20 Barthés Trophy sponsored by Société Générale, a financial service company, for three consecutive years back in January last year.

“We believe that we need this kind of commitment as shown by Kenya Rugby Union to strengthen our sport for a sustainable and strong future. With solid commitment, we can equally build a successful broadcast and commercial program around the event. The young players are our major asset in terms of growing participation and fan base. The U20 Barthés Trophy tournament speaks to our long-term strategy for Africa to become the breeding ground of the next generation of world-class athletes. Through this competition we can measure the real progress accomplished by the federation in terms of the development of rugby amongst the youth. 80 % of the selected players evolved from their local championships,” remarked Guedel N’Diaye, President of the Competition Commission at Rugby Africa.

The Barthés Trophy is the only junior tournament in Africa and eight national U20 teams compete for the title. Participating teams in the tournament will include Kenya, Namibia, Senegal, Madagascar, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Côte d’Ivoire and Zambia. KRU expressed its delight after it was awarded the right to host the junior’s tournament.

“The Kenya Rugby Union and the entire Kenyan people are thrilled by the excellent news from Rugby Africa awarding Kenya the Barthes U20 Trophy hosting rights for the next three years. It is indeed a great honour to all of us. Special mention to our Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage under the astute leadership of Amb. (Dr.) Amina Mohamed who have supported our bid. We will work closely with Rugby Africa, the government, commercial sponsors, media and other stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of the events,” stated chairman Oduor Gangla.

The Kenya U20 side, Chipu, will be led by new coach Curtis Olago who only took the reins at the national junior side ten days ago. Chipu are the current holders of the trophy and Olago’s first assignment will be overseeing the defense of the Barthes U20 trophy later on in June.

Pool A:

Kenya

Madagascar

Tunisia

Zambia

Pool B:

Namibia

Senegal

Zimbabwe

Côte d’Ivoire