The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has officially named the final 33-man squad that will represent the Kenya Simbas in a high-performance training camp in South Africa. This intensive one-month program serves as a crucial preparatory phase ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifiers, set to take place in Uganda this June.
The squad announcement follows the conclusion of a local training schedule that saw the team undergo a week-long camp in Kakamega from May 12 to 18, culminating in a friendly fixture against the UAE national rugby team on Saturday, May 24 at Nairobi’s RFUEA Grounds.
The match, structured into three 30-minute blocks, provided head coach Jerome Paarwater and his technical bench with a final opportunity to assess all 47 players in camp before trimming the squad to the final 33.
“The training match offered us an opportunity to see the work that we’ve done over the last one week in Kakamega come to life, especially for the players who haven’t been in the Simbas set up for the last two years,” said Coach Paarwater. “We were glad to see a number of them raise their hands with their performances.”
He emphasized the importance of match simulation in the selection process, adding:
“It was important to see all the players in a game situation, which is not always possible in a training setup. While the first two groups struggled to convert opportunities, the final block showed more composure—something that comes with experience.”
The Simbas are scheduled to depart for South Africa on May 28, where they will face off against top provincial teams including the SWD Eagles, Blue Bulls, and Sanlam Boland Cavaliers. The matches will help fine-tune the team’s form and cohesion ahead of the Rugby Africa Cup, which also doubles as the 2027 World Cup qualifying tournament.
“We’ve been monitoring the other teams in the Rugby Africa Cup, but our main focus is on ourselves,” Paarwater stated. “We will face experienced sides in South Africa, and we believe this will get us in top shape for Uganda.”
The squad features a mix of experienced players and fresh talent. Captain George Nyambua leads a team that includes returning internationals John Okoth, Samuel Asati, and Bethwel Anami, all of whom featured in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers. Rising stars Samuel Ovwamu and Collins Indeche have also made the cut, signaling the Simbas’ commitment to blending youth with experience.
Notably, South Africa-based duo David Bunduki and Thomas Okeyo will join the squad during the final leg of the camp in Limpopo, courtesy of the Blue Bulls. Hillary Mwanjilwa is also expected to rejoin the team as he completes his return-to-play protocol following a long injury layoff after last year’s international duty.
Coach Paarwater acknowledged the difficulty in narrowing down the squad:
“As mentioned, it was a tough selection for us to trim the squad from 53 to 33. All the players really showed up. We’ve picked what we believe is the best in the country at the moment. The door remains open for those not selected; they’re still in our plans and may be called up based on form, discipline, or injuries.”
Kenya Simbas Final 33-Man Squad:
- Ephraim Oduor – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Edward Mwaura – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Eugene Sifuna – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Teddy Akala – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Griffin Musila – KCB RFC
- Wilhite Mususi – KCB RFC
- Vincent Mwikhali – Menengai Oilers RFC
- Melvin Thairu – Gura Humorului Rugby Club
- Hibrahim Ayoo – Menengai Oilers RFC
- Brian Juma – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Andycole Omolo – KCB RFC
- Emanuel Silungi – KCB RFC
- George Nyambua (Captain) – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Patrick Sabatia – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Elvis Olukusi – KCB RFC
- Collins Indeche – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Bethuel Anami – MLSGP 78
- Elkeans Musonye – Menengai Oilers RFC
- Obat Kuke – Blak Blad RFC
- Samuel Asati – KCB RFC
- Samson Onsomu – Menengai Oilers RFC
- Brian Tanga – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Barry Young – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Brian Wahinya – KCB RFC
- Griffin Chao – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Beldad Ogeta – Menengai Oilers RFC
- Walter Okoth – Kabras Sugar RFC
- Samuel Ovwamu – Menengai Oilers RFC
- Bryceson Adaka – Kabras Sugar RFC
- John Okoth – Menengai Oilers RFC
- Tyson Juma – KCB RFC
- Timothy Omela – Menengai Oilers RFC
- Derrick Ashihundu – Kabras Sugar RFC
- David Bunduki – Griffons RFC
- Thomas Okeyo – Griffons RFC
- Hillary Mwanjilwa – Kabras Sugar RFC
The Simbas aim to leverage this intensive training period to fine-tune their strategies and build cohesion, with the ultimate goal of securing a spot in the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
