The Kenya U20 rugby team opened the 2024 Rugby Africa Barthes Cup with a 36-28 win against Namibia at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe on April 20. The team, under Simon Jawichre’s leadership, had a strong start, taking an early lead with a successful penalty conversion by Patrick Wainana. Despite Namibia’s attempts to equalize, Michael Wamalwa’s try maintained Kenya’s lead at halftime. The team expanded their lead further, but faltered in the second half, allowing Namibia to narrow the gap.

However, a last-minute try secured a 34-28 victory for Kenya. The starting front row comprised of Darrel Oluoch, Bramwell Anekea, and Geylord Ngasi, with Eugene Etale and Andycole Omolo as the locks. Captain Edmond Omondi, Nathan Tsindoli, and Iddo Kuta formed the loose forwards in this intense encounter. Next, the team is set to face Tunisia on Wednesday, April 24, and then Zimbabwe in the final match on Saturday, April 27.

The tournament adopts a round-robin format, with the winner earning the opportunity to represent the African continent at the 2024 World Rugby U20 trophy in Scotland in July.

The Kenya national U20 rugby coach Simon Jawichre has released a list of players expected to represent the country at the 2024 Barthes trophy tournament. The 28-member squad includes players who have previously represented the nation in international events, with nine youngsters from the team that participated in the 2023 World Rugby U20 trophy making a return.

Additionally, Andycole Omolo, Geylord Ngasi, Michael Wamalwa, and Iddo Kuta have been selected to rejoin the team. Notably, Alvin Khavoli and Philip Okeyo from Menengai Oilers and Nakuru Rugby Club, respectively, are set to participate in the tournament.

The event is scheduled to take place in Harare, Zimbabwe from Saturday, April 20 to Sunday, April 28, and will use a round-robin format, with the winner securing a spot to represent the African continent at the 2024 World Rugby U20 trophy, which will be hosted in Scotland in July. Following the Namibia clash, the team will face Tunisia on Wednesday, April 20, and then play their final match against Zimbabwe on Sunday, April 28.

Philip Wamae serves as the Team Manager for the upcoming tournament.