Kenya Simbas technical bench led by Jerome Paarwater has settled on the final squad that will be in Uganda for the Rugby Africa Cup which will serve as the Rugby World Cup 2027 qualifier.
The squad that will be heading to Uganda sees first timers Patrick Sabatia make the cut after an impressive run in the Kenya Cup season and in training in South Africa. Also making the cut is Samuel Ovwamu who impressed for the Oilers and Vincent Mwikhali.
Kenya Simbas pick 7s players
Jone Kubu who missed the South African trip has made the cut alongside fellow Kenya 7s trio, John Okoth, Samuel Asati and Brian Tanga.
Foreign based players who have made the cut include David Bunduki, Thomas Okeyo and Bethuel Anami.
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Ahead of the matches, Rugby Africa has released the fixtures and match timings for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, which will be held at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda.
The tournament will also serve as the African qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Defending champions Zimbabwe Sables will kick off the quarterfinal proceedings with a match against newly promoted Morocco on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
Last year’s finalists Algeria will face off against Ivory Coast in the second quarterfinal at 12:00 p.m., followed by former champions Namibia taking on Senegal in the third match of the day.
The final fixture of the day will feature a highly anticipated East African derby between Kenya Simbas and hosts Uganda Rugby Cranes.
The winning teams will proceed to the semi-finals scheduled for Sunday, July 13, 2025, with matches set for the afternoon.
The tournament will conclude with the final on July 19, where the winner will secure Africa’s direct ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Kenya Simbas final Rugby Africa Cup squad
Loosehead Props
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Ephraim Oduor – Kabras Sugar RFC
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Edward Mwaura – Kabras Sugar RFC
Hookers
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Eugene Sifuna – Kabras Sugar RFC
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Teddy Akala – Kabras Sugar RFC
Tighthead Props
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Wilhite Mususi – KCB RFC
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Vincent Mwikhali – Menengai Oilers RFC
Locks
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Hibrahim Ayoo – Menengai Oilers RFC
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Thomas Okeyo – NovaVit Griffons (South Africa)
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Andycole Omolo – KCB RFC
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Emanuel Silungi – KCB RFC
Blindside Flankers
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George Nyambua – Kabras Sugar RFC
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Patrick Sabatia – Kabras Sugar RFC
Openside Flankers
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David Bunduki – NovaVit Griffons (South Africa)
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Obat Kuke – Blak Blad RFC
Number 8s
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Bethuel Anami – MLSGP 78 (France)
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Elkeans Musonye – Menengai Oilers RFC
Scrum Halves
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Samuel Asati – KCB RFC
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Brian Tanga – Kabras Sugar RFC
Flyhalves
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Barry Young – Kabras Sugar RFC
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Brian Wahinya – KCB RFC
Left Wing
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Griffin Chao – Kabras Sugar RFC
Inside Centres
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Walter Okoth – Kabras Sugar RFC
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Samuel Ovwamu – Menengai Oilers RFC
Outside Centres
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Bryceson Adaka – Kabras Sugar RFC
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John Okoth – Menengai Oilers RFC
Right Wing
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Timothy Omela – Menengai Oilers RFC
Fullbacks
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Jone Kubu – Kabras Sugar RFC
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Derrick Ashihundu – Kabras Sugar RFC
Match Day 1: Tuesday 08 July 2025 (Local Time) (EAT)
10:00 – Zimbabwe vs Morocco
12:00 – Algeria vs Côte d’Ivoire
14:00 – Namibia vs Senegal
16:00 – Kenya vs Uganda
Match Day 2: Sunday 13 July 2025 (Local Time) (EAT)
10:00 – Loser Match 2 vs Loser Match 3
12:00 – Loser Match 1 vs Loser Match 4
14:00 – Winner Match 2 vs Winner Match 3
16:00 – Winner Match 1 vs Winner Match 4
Match Day 3: Saturday 19 July 2025 (Local Time) (EAT)
10:00 – Loser Match 5 vs Loser Match 6 (7th Place Final)
12:00 – Winner Match 5 vs Winner Match 6 (5th Place Final)
14:00 – Loser Match 7 vs Loser Match 8 (3rd Place Final)
16:00 – Winner Match 7 vs Winner Match 8 (Final)
