Kenya Simbas Head Coach Paul Odera has named his training squad that will start preparations for the final Rugby World Cup 2023 qualification Tournament scheduled for Dubai.
Homeboyz youngster Amon Wamalwa who impressed during the National Sevens Circuit has been named in the squad alongside KCB’s Geoffrey Okwach. The two are the only new inclusions in the squad.
Largely retained
Odera has retained the squad that featured in the Currie Cup and Rugby Africa Cup with Ian Njenga and Derrick Ashihundu missing out due to injuries.
The Simbas missed out on direct qualification to the Rugby World Cup set for France in 2023 after finishing as runners up to Namibia in the Rugby Africa Cup final, when they fell to a 36-0 defeat.
They will face off with the USA, Portugal and Hong Kong for qualification to the global event.
Homeboyz Amon Wamalwa converts. Photo Courtesy/Homeboyz Media
World Rugby unveiled the match schedule for the Final Qualification Tournament that will determine the 20th and final qualifier for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.
Played over three match days from 6-18 November at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai, the Final Qualification Tournament for RWC 2023 in France will feature four teams from four different continents. Hong Kong, Kenya, Portugal and USA will face each other in a round-robin format with the team accruing the most competition points securing the last spot at France 2023.
The World Rugby Men’s Rankings powered by Capgemini as of 31 July, 2022 have been used to determine the decisive tournament’s match schedule.
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On the opening day, USA (ranked 19th) will face Kenya Simbas (33rd) while Portugal (20th) play against Hong Kong (22nd). The third and final match day will see the two highest-ranked teams USA and Portugal face each other to conclude the qualification process for next year’s Rugby World Cup.
The eventual winner and final team to join the Rugby World Cup 2023 adventure will take their place in Pool C alongside Wales, Australia, Fiji and Georgia.
Kenya Simbas Training Squad: Final RWC 2023 Qualification Tournament
FORWARDS
Edward Mwaura (Menengai Oilers), Melvin Thairu (Kenya Harlequin), Andrew Siminyu (University of Johanesburg), Eugene Sifuna (Kabras Sugar), Teddy Akala (Kabras Sugar), Brian Waraba (Kenya Harlequin), Patrick Ouko (KCB), Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar), Joseph Odero (Kabras Sugar), Davis Chenge (KCB),Malcolm Onsando (CS Dinamo Bucaresti, Romania),Thomas Okeyo (University of Joahnesburg), Brian Juma (Kabras Sugar), Shem Joseph (Kabras Sugar), George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar), Bethuel Anami (Strathmore Leos), Daniel Sikuta (Kabras Sugar), Martin Owilah (KCB), Clinton Odhiambo (Menengai Oilers), Brian Ndirangu (Menengai Oilers)
BACKS
Samuel Asati (KCB), Brian Wahinya (KCB), Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar), Jone Kubu (Kabras Sugar), Beldad Ogeta (Menengai Oilers), John Okoth (Menengai Oilers), Timothy Okwemba (Menengai Oilers), Collins Injera (Mwamba), Vincent Onyala (KCB), Bryceson Adaka (Kabras Sugar), Peter Kilonzo (KCB), Jacob Ojee (KCB), Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Geoffrey Ominde (Menengai Oilers), Amon Wamalwa (Homeboyz), Geoffrey Okwach (KCB), Andrew Matoka (Principia College, USA), Dominic Coulson (University of Exeter, England)
