Springbok World Cup winner ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira to land in Kenya during U20 Trophy

Legendary former Springbok prop Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira is set to make a special appearance in Nairobi after being confirmed as one of the high profile guests expected for the final of the World Rugby U20 Trophy that will be taking place at the Nyayo National Stadium from 15-30 July 2023.

Speaking during the official launch of the competition that will be making its return following three consecutive cancelled editions, Kenya Rugby Union chairman Alexander 'Sasha' Mutai confirmed the news of Mtawarira’s special arrival expected on the 27 July.

“We are going to have a special guest coming in for the final of the event. The Beast, a World Cup winner, an African legend and a World Rugby icon will be here from the 27 July until the final of the tournament,” Mutai revealed during the launch at the Nairobi National Park.

The Beast was a member of the Springbok side that won the 2019 World Cup in Japan when South Africa beat England 32-12 to clinch the Webb Ellis Cup for a third time.

The Bok legend, who played 117 Tests between 2008 and 2019, has also been in Paris, France where he handed over the Webb Ellis Cup to Rugby World Cup organizers ahead of the prestigious event kicking off from 8 September to 28 October.

Other notable figures who will also grace the event include newly elected Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah who took over from Tunisia Khaled Babbou, who stood down after serving only one term.

Preparations for World Rugby U20 Trophy are in top gear as Kenya readies to welcome the world for the international show piece where 8 teams have been confirmed to participate.

The participating teams are: Scotland (relegated from the U20 Championship in 2019), Kenya (hosts), Hong Kong (Asia), Samoa (Oceania), Spain (Europe), Uruguay (South America), Zimbabwe (Africa) and USA (North America).

It is the second time Kenya are hosting the U20 Trophy, having done so in 2009 when the tournament was known as the Junior World Rugby Trophy.

Kenya finished that tournament in fourth place after a 19-17 third-place play-off defeat to Chile, which remains their best U20 Trophy finish to date.

“We want to get things up. We want to turn back to our winning ways. With under 20, we have confidence in the future of rugby and this tournament is just the beginning. We are ambitious and have no doubts that our boys will do well in the tournament,” Mutai added.

Besides the silverware, the eight competing teams will also be playing for a spot in the World Rugby U20 Championship next year in South Africa.

The winners will be promoted to the U20 Championship replacing the team that finishes bottom in that competition (24 June - 14 July, South Africa) who will drop down to the U20 Trophy in 2024.

Regular fans will be charged Ksh 300, the VIP(Ksh 1,000) to watch the tournament scheduled to take place at the Nyayo National Stadium, while Students presenting their National ID’s and are in School Uniforms will gain a free entry.