The Kenya Simbas squad was named on Wednesday, featuring 47 players selected for the training sessions ahead of the Rugby Africa Cup.
For the second year in a row, Champions Kabras RFC have a strong presence with 18 players selected for the campaign. Notably, Jone Kubu, who was part of the 2022 squad, misses out due to injury, while William Mwanji and Griffin Chao make the cut for the first time.
Seven for Kenya Simbas
KCB Rugby, who finished second for the second successive year, have seven players included. Captain Griffin Musila returns after missing out in 2023 due to injury. Emmanuel Silungi and Michael Wanjala are also back in the squad.
Kenya Simbas train at Kyadondo. Photo/Uganda Rugby Union
Menengai Oilers have 10 of their players selected. Dennis Abukuse gets his first call-up after spending most of his international career with Kenya 7s.
Timothy Okwemba returns after a lengthy layoff due to injury whil Sam Onsomu is also back. Francis Atiti, Tyson Maina, and Abutwalib Wesonga are first-time selections.
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Nondies players, as well as those from Strathmore Leos and Kisumu RFC, missed out on selection. However, Quins have Paul Mutsami and Richel Wangila, while Nakuru RFC, who have been sidelined in recent selections, have Amos Obae and Felix Okoth.
Kuke set Kenya Simbas
Blak Blad had Obat Kuke selected, while Mwamba and Impala have Joel Inzuga and Quinto Ongo, respectively. Additionally, there are five foreign-based players, with Andrew Siminyu, Malcolm Onsando, and Thomas Okeyo making comebacks since the 2022 Repechage.
Kenya Simbas prepare for a scrum against EP Elephants. Photo Courtesy/ KRU
The selected players will undergo rigorous training sessions in preparation for the Rugby Africa Cup, aiming to build a strong team for the upcoming tournament.
Kenya Simbas squad breakdown
Kabras RFC 18: Edward Mwaura, Eugene Sifuna, Teddy Akala, Ephraim Oduor, Hillary Mwanjilwa, Brian Juma, Hillary Odhiambo, George Nyambua, William Mwanji, Jeanson Misoga, Ntabeni Dukisa, Barry Young, Griffin Chao, Derrick Ashihundu, Walter Okoth, Bryceson Adaka, Mathias Osimbo, Alfred Orege
KCB Rugby 7: Griffin Musila, Wilhite Mususi, Emmanuel Silungi, Felix Ojow, Elvis Olukusi, Michael Wanjala, Brian Wahinya.
Menengai Oilers 10: Francis Atiti, Hibrahim Ayoo, Clinton Juma, Elkeans Musonye, Samson Onsomu, Beldad Ogeta, Tyson Maina, Dennis Abukuse, Timothy Omela, Abutwalib Wesonga
Nondies: 0
Kenya Harlequin 2: Paul Mutsami, Richel Wangila
Blak Blad 1: Obat Kuke
Mwamba 1: Joel Inzuga
Nakuru RFC 2: Amos Obae, Felix Okoth
Strathmore Leos:0
Kisumu:0
Impala 1: Quinto Ongo
Westshore RFC, Canada 2 : Brian Ndirangu, Johnstone Olindi
(University of Johannesburg, South Africa): Andrew Siminyu
SCM Rugby Timisoara, Romania: Malcolm Onsando
Griffons, South Africa: Thomas Okeyo
