Wamalwa named new captain as Chipu begin quest for World Rugby U20 Trophy on home turf

Curtis Olago, head coach of the junior men’s national rugby 15s side, has named KCB RFC centre Michael Wamalwa as the new captain of the Kenya Chipu ahead of the team’s participation in the prestigious World Rugby U20 Trophy that will take place at the Nyayo National Stadium from 15-30 July.

Wamalwa will be taking over from Kenya Harlequin lock Laban Kipsang, who steered the country to a second placed finish behind Zimbabwe in the 2023 U20 Barthes Trophy that took place back in April in Nairobi.

Wamalwa will be deputized by Daystar Falcons prop Geylord Ngasi as Kipsang is shifted to leading the forwards.

“It is such a humbling gesture and great honour to take the mantle and I do not take it for granted. It comes with responsibilities which is to guide the team to greater heights,” the player is quoted on the Nation.

Chipu are set to face Hong Kong China, Samoa and Spain in Group B as USA, Zimbabwe Uruguay and Scotland battle in Group A and Wamalwa has backed his side to come up with answers to their weak areas having made better preparations going into the competition.

“The coaches focused on our defense that was porous during the Barthes Cup and all is well now. You see you get to firm up many things when you are together for long and that is what has happened. We know our opponents’ skill levels are higher and are a bit tactical but we are ready since we know our good defense will win it for us,” he added.

In the tournament that kicks off on Saturday, Scotland will get the competition underway against African champions Zimbabwe before Samoa take on the hosts in the second game.

Uruguay then play USA before Spain close match day 1 action against Hong Kong China.

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.

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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.

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.

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Saturday fixtures and timings

Scotlands vs Zimbabwe – 1000EAT

Samoa vs Kenya – 1200EAT

Uruguay vs USA – 14000EAT

Spain vs Hong Kong China – 1600EAT