Kenya’s national rugby 15s team, the Simbas, have unveiled their final 28-man squad for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, which kicks off on July 8 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
Head coach Jerome Paarwater confirmed the squad on Tuesday following an intense four-week training camp and match tour in South Africa. The squad includes four debutants:
- Patrick Sabatia (Kabras RFC)
- Samuel Ovwamu (Menengai Oilers)
- Vincent Mwikali (Menengai Oilers)
- David Bunduki (South Africa-based, Griffons)
Forward Pack
- Props: Ephraim Oduor, Edward Mwaura (both Kabras), Wilhite Mususi (KCB), Vincent Mwikali (Oilers)
- Hookers: Teddy Akala, Eugine Sifuna (both Kabras)
- Locks: Hibrhaim Ayoo (Oilers), Thomas Okeyo (Griffons), Andycole Omollo, Emmanuel Silungi (both KCB)
- Back Row: George Nyambua, Patrick Sabatia (Kabras), David Bunduki (Griffons), Obat Kuke (Blak Blad), Bethuel Anami (MLSGP 78), Elkeans Musonye (Oilers)
Backline
- Scrum-halves: Samuel Asati (KCB), Brian Tanga (Kabras)
- Fly-halves: Barry Young (Kabras), Brian Wahinya (KCB)
- Wingers: Griffin Chao (Kabras), Timothy Omela (Oilers)
- Centres: Walter Okoth, Bryceson Adaka (both Kabras), Samuel Ovwamu, John Okoth (both Oilers)
- Fullbacks: Jone Kubu (Kabras), Derick Ashiundu
“The guys are looking well prepared and ready for the tournament in Uganda. We’re glad that we don’t have any serious injuries within the team,” said Paarwater.
South African Tour Review
The Kenya Simbas squad wrapped up their South African preparations with a 42-35 loss to Limpopo Blue Bulls on June 26 in Nylstroom. Their other results included:
- Win: 27-24 vs Supa Barbarians
- Draw: 17-17 vs SWD Eagles
- Losses: Two defeats to South Africa U20s
“There have been a lot of lessons learned in South Africa. The players bonded very well, which improves teamwork both on and off the field,” Paarwater added.
Road to Rugby World Cup 2027
The Simbas will depart for Uganda on Wednesday. They begin their Rugby Africa Cup campaign on Tuesday, July 8, in a knockout match against Uganda. Depending on the outcome, they will play either Zimbabwe or Morocco on July 13.
The winner of the tournament will qualify directly for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The runner-up will advance to the Asia/Africa Playoff.
Participating nations include: Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Morocco, Namibia, Algeria, Senegal, and Ivory Coast.
Here’s our squad that’s heading to Uganda for the RWC 2027 Qualifiers tomorrow evening. Kenya Airways Amara #SupportTheSimbas #ElevateYourGame #KQxSimbas #RoadToRWC2027
Posted by Kenya Simbas on Tuesday, July 1, 2025
