Rhinos Head Coach Paul Murunga has announced the 23-man squad set to face Lions in the opening match of the Rugby Super Series at RFUEA Grounds on Saturday at 3:00 pm.
Steve Odhiambo, captain of Nondies, has been named team captain and will play in the back row alongside Sheldon Kahi, his former teammate at Blak Blad, now with Kenya Harlequin. They are joined by Barnabas Owuor from Strathmore Leos.
Lions front row
The second row features Stanislaus Shikoli from Strathmore Leos and Ryan Odua from Nondies. The front row consists of Quins trio Meshack Tunechi, Adam Mugo, and Abel Matanda.
In the backline, Nondies’ Ian Mabwa starts at scrum-half, with Ervin Asena at fly-half. Zedden Marrow and Andrew Matoka take their positions on the wings, while Paul Mutsami and Charles Odhiambo form the midfield pairing. Amon Wamalwa, who recently returned from South Africa’s high-performance training, has been named at fullback.
The Rhinos’ bench features Dennis Tuibei, Raymond Chacha, John Aswani, Charles Omondi, Stephen Osumba, Shem Okola, Jan Remke, and Mohamed Khadir.
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The Rhinos have a rich history in the Rugby Super Series, having won the competition six times. The squad includes players from Kenya Harlequin, Nondies, and varsity side Strathmore Leos.
Meanwhile, the Buffaloes, 2005 champions, are based in Kakamega and comprise Kenya Cup champions Kabras RFC, Kisumu RFC, Catholic Monks, Western Bulls, and MMUST.
The Cheetahs represent Nakuru town, with players from Menengai Oilers, Nakuru RFC, and relegated Homeboyz RFC.
The Lions squad includes KCB Rugby, Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad, Mwamba, and Championship sides JKUAT Cougars, South Coast Pirates, and USIU Martials.
With the teams assembled and the stage set at RFUEA Grounds, the Rugby Super Series opener promises an exciting start to the competition.
Rhinos matchday squad
- Meshack Tunnech
- Adam Mugo
- Abel Matanda
- Stanislous Shikoli
- Ryan Odua
- Barnabas Owuor
- Steven Odhiambo (C)
- Sheldon Kahi
- Ian Mumbwani
- Evin Asena
- Zedden Marrow
- Paul Mutsami
- Charles Odhiambo
- Matoka Matoka
- Harmony Wamalwa
Replacements: 16. Dennis Tuibei
- Raymond Chacha
- John Aswani
- Charles Omondi
- Stephen Osumba
- Shem Okola
- Jan Remke
- Mohamed Khadir
