Rugby Africa president visits Kenya as U20 Trophy gets to final stage

Herbert Mensah, the recently elected President of Rugby Africa, the governing body of rugby in Africa, is in the country for a five-day visit.

Mensah arrived in Kenya on Tuesday night and will serve as the official representative of World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont at the ongoing World Rugby U20 Trophy tournament that ends on 30 July 2023.

The World Rugby U20 Trophy is an eight team international rugby union competition organized by World Rugby featuring men’s junior national teams, with players under the age of 20 showcasing their skills and passion for the sport.

"The World Rugby U20 Trophy not only showcases Kenya’s capability as a world-class sporting destination but also represents the collective spirit and passion for rugby that resonates across Africa. Together, we stand united in celebrating Africa’s presence on the global rugby stage,” said Mr. Mensah.

It is the second time Kenya is hosting the U20 Trophy, having done so in 2009 when the tournament was known as the Junior World Rugby Trophy.

Besides the silverware, the teams have been competing for a spot in the World Rugby U20 Championship next year in South Africa. The winners will be promoted to the U20 Championship replacing Japan who finished bottom in that competition.

Mensah’s presence during the World Rugby U20 Trophy reflects the significance of this event and his representation of World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont symbolizes the strong collaboration between Rugby Africa and the global rugby community.

“Africa hosting two World Rugby U20 tournaments consecutively will be exciting to witness and serves as the perfect build-up to Rugby World Cup 2023 which is just under three months away.

Both South Africa and Kenya have proven their ability to host global age-grade competitions in the past and I have no doubt that these editions will be successful with great interest from local crowds,” said World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont.

Exclusive: KRU set to part ways with Shujaa head coach Damian McGrath

After three intense days of pool matches, Spain and Uruguay have booked a slot in the finals set for Sunday July 30. In Tuesday's final match at the Nyayo Stadium, 2008 U20 Trophy winners Uruguay led from the fifth minute against pre-tournament favorites Scotland en route to a deserved 37-26 victory.

Spain booked their place in the final of the U20 Trophy with a scrappy 28-10 victory over two-time champions Samoa. In the repeat of the 2016 finals, the Spaniards, who were making their second appearance at the tournament, started as favorites, having won over Kenya and Samoa.

Scotland, meanwhile, could settle for a third-place playoff against Samoa who had never lost a pool stage match at the U20 Trophy until Tuesday.

In the first match of the day, U20 Barthes Cup defending champions Zimbabwe finished their pool matches on a high with a stunning 38-37 victory over the USA. The win secured them a third place in Pool A and at least a sixth-place finish overall. They have a chance to improve to fifth come Saturday when they face Kenya in the fifth-place playoff.

Chipu will be fresh from a 22-16 win over Hong Kong China. The win placed them at third position in Pool B.

Diving deep while scoring high: Lastie's dual life as a utility player and deep-sea diver