Chipu set for first training camp ahead of 2025 Barthes Cup

The Kenya U20 men's rugby team, Chipu, are gearing up to defend their Barthes Cup title with its first training camp scheduled for Sunday 2 March at the RFUEA Grounds.

The defending champions are in the early stages of preparation for the tournament, which will take place in Zimbabwe from Thursday 17 to Sunday 27 April 2025.

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In an exclusive interview with Mozzart Sport, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) CEO Thomas Odundo confirmed that the selection process has been ongoing, with a focus on retaining eligible players from last year’s squad while identifying new talent to strengthen the team.

“Chipu’s plans are ongoing. Basic selection has been ongoing. We have started with the players who were in the setup last year and are still eligible, and then the coach will be looking to fill that gap,” Odundo stated.

He went on to note that a majority of the players who would be selected are already competing in the ongoing Kenya Cup season.

“We have a few camps, and we hope most of the players are playing in the league, which will keep them fit and able to participate, and that will form the core of our selection,” he offered.

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The list of players selected for the training camps has been released, with notable names earning a call-up.

Among them is Kenya Harlequin playmaker Faran Juma. Nondies' trio of Maxwell Kipsang, Eugene Odhiambo, and Dennis Ndayala have also secured their spots in the squad.

Following the RFUEA camp, next week will see Nairobi-based players traveling to Nakuru, where they will be joined by athletes from Nakuru and Kakamega for a combined training session.

Key inclusions in the Nakuru camp include Brian Kiptanui, Darrell Olouch, and Daniel Kipchirchir, all of whom were part of last year’s title-winning squad. The squad also features exciting young talents such as Michael Lukusi, Roymark Maruti, Branton Lusisa, and Javan Otieno.

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This training camp phase will be crucial for Chipu as they fine-tune their squad ahead of the prestigious continental tournament.

Nairobi Trials Invites (Kenya U20 Chipu 2025)

Loosehead Prop: Almasi Wachira (Strathmore Leos), Jastine Pendo Mabangu (Impala RFC), Ian Wendo (Zetech Oaks)

Hooker: Mathews Arina (Strathmore Leos), Moses Owino (CUEA Monks), Michael Kamunge (Zetech Oaks)

Tighthead Prop: Jeremy Maina (KU Blak Blad), Ian Muyala (Strathmore Leos)

Lock: Sunway Murila (Zetech Oaks), Aldrine Andanje (Mwamba RFC), George Mutei (Nondies)

Lock: Jeremy Namiti (Kenya Harlequin), Josphat Nderitu (Nondies), Eddy Otieno (Impala RFC)

Blindside Flanker: Griffin David (Strathmore Leos), Jowi Barret (KU Blak Blad)

Openside Flanker: Maxwell Kipsang (Nondies), Adrian Omondi (Strathmore Leos), Juma Henry (KU Blak Blad)

Number 8: Biphon Mbaka (KCA University), Owen Ayieko (Daystar Falcons), Benjamin Ndolo (Strathmore Leos)

Scrum Half: Rogers Omanyi (Nondies)

Fly Half: Ketti Ainsley (Daystar Falcons), Faran Juma (Kenya Harlequins), Norbert Okoth (Strathmore Leos)

Left Wing: Eugene Odhiambo (Mwamba RFC), Gabriel Otete (KU Blak Blad)

Inside Centre: Pila Emmanuel Lewis (Daystar Falcons), Dennis Ndayala (Mwamba RFC)

Outside Centre: James Njoroge (KU Blak Blad), Luke Cheptile (Strathmore Leos), Mark Gachau (KU Blak Blad)

Right Wing: Felix Ligono (KU Blak Blad)

Players set Nakuru camp

Loosehead Prop: Darrel Oluoch (Kabras Sugar RFC)

Hooker: Joseph Jibril Lugonzo (Kabras Sugar RFC)

Tighthead Prop: Mike Muriithi (Kabras Sugar RFC), Rebel Tony (Menengai Oilers)

Lock: John Asega (S.C Pirates), Bravin Onyango (Menengai Oilers)

Blindside Flanker: Justine Lunale (Menengai Oilers), Reuben Okunda (Kabras Sugar RFC)

Openside Flanker: John Ombango (Menengai Oilers)

Scrum Half: Roymark Maruti (Kabras Sugar RFC), Benedict Muiruri (Menengai Oilers)

Fly Half: Abil Junior (Kabras Sugar RFC), Boniface Murimi (Menengai Oilers)

Left Wing: Brian Kiptanui (Kabras Sugar RFC), Javan Otieno (Nakuru RFC)

Inside Centre: Daniel Kipchirchir (Menengai Oilers), Daniel Brantana (Kabras Sugar RFC)

Outside Centre: Brian Achacha (Menengai Oilers), Brian Oyugi (Menengai Oilers)

Right Wing: Branton Lusisa (Kabras Sugar RFC), Amos Ouma (Menengai Oilers), Otieno Kevin Maiche (Kabras Sugar RFC), Victor Wawire (Kabras Sugar RFC)

Fullback: Glacious Owino (Menengai Oilers), Michael Lukusi (Kabras Sugar RFC), Moses Ajak (Menengai Oilers), Christian Otieno Onyango (Menengai Oilers)