JUNIOR TEAMS

Kenya U20 final squad for 2025 U20 Barthes Trophy named

By Amanga collins

Posted on April 16, 2025

Kenya U20 (Chipu) scrum-half Patrick Wainaina in action against Netherlands. PHOTO/World Rugby

Kenya U20 (Chipu) head coach Simon Jawichre has named his final squad for the U20 Barthes Trophy, set to be held in Zimbabwe later this month.

The squad features several returning players who featured in last year’s World Rugby U20 Trophy, including Darrel Oluoch, Eddy Otieno, Benedict Muiruri, Faran Juma, Brian Kiptoo, Dennis Ndayala, and Daniel Kipchirchir Bett.

Kenya U20 new faces

New faces in the squad include Scrummage Africa Katch 7s 2024 Most Valuable Player Willison Tonya, who currently plays for Menengai Oilers. Kabras Sugar trio Michael Muriithi, Roy Maruti, and Branton Lusasi also earn call-ups. Oilers’ Glacious Owino and Brian Achacha, Nakuru RFC speedster Javan Okwaro complete the list of notable additions.

The continental showpiece will feature four teams—Kenya U20, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Tunisia—battling for top honours across three matchdays at Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare.

EDITOR’S PICKS:

Defending champions Chipu will kick off their campaign against Tunisia at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, 19 April 2025. Hosts Zimbabwe will then face Namibia at 4:00 p.m. in the day’s second fixture.

Matchday two is scheduled for Wednesday, 23 April. Kenya will play Namibia at 1:00 p.m., followed by Zimbabwe taking on Tunisia at 4:00 p.m.

The tournament will conclude on Sunday, 27 April. Namibia will face Tunisia at 12:00 p.m., before Zimbabwe and Kenya clash at 3:00 p.m. in what could be the title decider.