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Kenya U20 squad for Barthes Cup title defense unveiled
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 17.04.25. | 08:48
Chipu defeated Zimbabwe 28-13 last year in Harare to claim their third Barthes Trophy
The Kenya U20 national rugby team, Chipu, head coach Simon Jawichre, has named a strong 28-man squad ahead of their title defense at the 2025 Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Cup, scheduled for Thursday, 17 to Sunday, 27 April in Zimbabwe.
Jawichre has placed his trust in a blend of power and pace as the Kenyan youngsters aim for a fourth continental title.
Leading the charge up front will be Faran Juma, who starts as hooker, flanked by Darell Roy and Eugene Mutanda in the front row.
Juma brings a wealth of experience, having been part of the 2024 setup that won the continental title and represented the country in the World Rugby U20 Junior Trophy.
Waiyaki Kinyua and Eddy Otieno will marshal the engine room at the lock.
The loose forward trio of Benadict Muiruri, Brian Kiptanui, and Daniel Kipchirchir is expected to provide both aggression and balance in open play.
At the halfback position, Dennis Ndayala will start at scrum half and link up with Brian Achacha at flyhalf, forming a crucial partnership that could dictate Kenya’s decision-making rhythm.
In the backline, Javan Okwaro gets the nod at fullback, supported by the pacey wing duo of Terrence Ogutu and Erick Juma.
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The midfield pairing of Almasi Wachira and Michael Muriithi will be tasked with breaking through opposition lines and setting up scoring chances.
Other notable names in the squad include Justine Ng’ombe, Willison Tonya, Glacious Owino, and John Asega, all of whom bring depth and impact off the bench.
Former KCB Rugby team manager Phillip Wamae will oversee the side as team manager, with Samwel Ochieng handling physiotherapy duties.
The 2025 edition will see four teams, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Tunisia, battle it out across three matchdays.
Kenya will open its campaign against Tunisia on Saturday, 19 April at 1:00 p.m., followed by Zimbabwe’s clash with Namibia at 4:00 p.m.
Matchday two on Wednesday, 23 April pits Kenya against Namibia at 1:00 p.m., and Zimbabwe against Tunisia at 4:00 p.m.
The tournament wraps up on Sunday, 27 April, with Namibia taking on Tunisia at noon, before a potential title decider between Zimbabwe and Kenya at 3:00 p.m.
Chipu head into the tournament as favorites, buoyed by their successful 2024 campaign, where they defeated Zimbabwe 28-13 in Harare to claim their third Barthes Trophy and secure a ticket to the 2024 World Rugby U20 Trophy in Scotland.
