The Kenya Simbas will face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a build-up match on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.
The match is a key part of Simbas’ preparation for the Rugby Africa Cup, which also serves as the 2027 Rugby World Cup Qualifier.
The UAE Rugby team will also be using the fixture to fine-tune their systems as they gear up for the Asian Rugby Championship later this year.
In a statement, the Kenya Rugby Union said: “On Saturday 24th May 2025, the Kenya Simbas will host the UAE Rugby team in a build-up match as the Simbas prepare to head out to South Africa for a month. The Jerome Paarwater charges are currently in camp preparing for their biggest task at hand this year, the Rugby Africa Cup which doubles up as the 2027 Rugby World Cup Qualifier. This match will also play a key role in assisting UAE Rugby team to prepare for the Asian Cup later this year.”
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The Simbas are currently in camp in Kakamega, where Head of the Fifteens Program, Jerome Paarwater, has called up a provisional squad of 50 players.
From this group, 33 players will be selected to regroup on May 26 for a short pre-departure camp before heading to South Africa on May 28.
Paarwater outlined the structure of the South African tour, which will be split into two key phases.
The first phase, running from May 28 to June 22, will take place in Cape Town in collaboration with Western Province. During this period, the Simbas will participate in Saturday fixtures against Currie Cup sides, along with midweek contact sessions with local club and university teams.
The second phase, from June 22 to June 27, will be held in Nylstroom, where the team will partner with the Blue Bulls. This final leg will include matches on Tuesday and Thursday against the Bulls’ Currie Cup squads.
Match Details
- Fixture: Kenya Simbas vs UAE Rugby
- Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025
- Venue: RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi
- Kick-off: 3:00 PM EAT
- Tickets: KES 500 (Regular), KES 1,000 (VIP)
- Available at: www.tikohub.com
