World Rugby U20: Kenya Chipu squad for Samoa clash announced

Kenya men’s junior national rugby 15s head coach Curtis Olago on Friday morning named his final squad of 23 players expected to feature in Kenya Chipu’s first game of the 2023 World Rugby U20 Trophy tournament set to take place at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi from 15-30 July.

The squad of 15 starters and eight replacements will be in hand as Kenya faces visiting Samoa in the first game of Group B that kicks off at 1200 EAT.

Leading the line for the team will be new captain Mike Wamalwa (KCB), who will marshal a group of starters that also includes; Andycole Omollo (second row), Alvin Kalori (centre), Vice captain and Daystar Falcons prop Geylord Ngasi and Laban Kipsang - the skipper for the Kenyan side in April’s 2023 U20 Barthes.

Speaking to Kenya Rugby Union, Olago looked forward to a ‘massive physical challenge’ from the Samoans, but was confident that his team would rise to the challenge posed by the Oceania representatives.

“We have prepared well for this tournament,” Olago said. “We understand the level of the competition that we are playing in, and the caliber of the opponent we are facing, but we believe that the boys will play their hearts out before the home fans.

“We are aware of the physical threat that Samoa poses but we play to our strengths and take our chances, not only on Saturday but throughout the tournament.”

Wamalwa named new captain as Chipu begin quest for World Rugby U20 Trophy on home turf

Chipu are placed in Group B where they will face off against the aforementioned Samoa, Spain and Hong Kong China, as USA, Zimbabwe, Uruguay and Scotland battle in Group A.

In the day’s early kickoff match slated for 1000 EAT, Scotland will get the competition underway against African champions Zimbabwe.

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

Kenya finished that tournament in fourth place after a 19-17 third-place play-off defeat to Chile, which remains their best U20 Trophy finish to date.

Besides the silverware, the eight competing teams will also be playing for a spot in the World Rugby U20 Championship set for next year in South Africa.

MATCH DAY SQUAD:

STARTERS: Faran Juma, Alvin Kalori, Mike Wamalwa (Captain), Chacha Masega, Raphael Wanga, Eddy Wambugu, Patrick Wainaina, Geylord Ngasi, Jeremy Odhiambo, Raymond Chacha, Stanslaus Shikoli, Andy Cole Omolo, Laban Kipsang, Iddo Kuta, Jacktone Omondi

REPLACEMENTS: George Otieno, Wickliffe Ogutu, Mike Oduor, Edmond Omondi, Vincent Omondi, Brian Mwendwa, Spencer Davies, Victor Odhiambo.