No changes as Simon Jawichre names Chipu squad for upcoming World U-20 Trophy

National Under20 Rugby Team Chipu George Omondi (centre) charge past teammates Mike Wamalwa (left) and Patrick Wainaina during their training session on July 11th 2023 for World Rugby Under20 Trophy at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. © Imago

No changes as Simon Jawichre names Chipu squad for upcoming World U-20 Trophy

Mark Kinyanjui 10:57 - 20.06.2024

Chipu coach Simon Jawichre has named the same squad that delivered victory at the Barthed U-20 trophy in Zimbabwe for the upcoming World U-20 trophy in Scotland.

Kenya's U20 rugby squad Chipu will field the same team that clinched the Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy in April as they head to Scotland for the World Rugby Junior Trophy, taking place from July 2-17, 2024.

 The squad includes nine players returning from the 2023 World Rugby Junior Trophy hosted in Nairobi: Geylord Ngasi, Andycole Omolo, Iddo Kuta, Wycliffe Ogutu, Nathan Tsindoli, Patrick Wainaina, Faran Juma, Michael Wamalwa, and James Olela. 

The team is set to depart for Scotland on Thursday, June 27, 2024.

Reflecting on the team’s preparations, head coach Simon Jawichre commented, “Looking back since the Barthes Trophy, we really wanted our guys to play in the (Rugby) Super Series."

“A few made it there, and quite a number trained without playing. We’ve had two camps after the Super Series, one on our own, but we actually had the opportunity to face off with KCB as they were training for the Enterprise Cup. 

“The second week we put ourselves up against the Simbas (the Kenya men’s fifteens senior team), where we had joint sessions together.”

Jawichre emphasised the benefits of these sessions, noting, “These sessions helped our boys. It brought them up to speed, especially on the mental side of things. When I look at them physically, there are a few niggly things from the Super Series, but all coming in good, they’re coming into shape."

“The squad going is basically pegged on what we had in Harare. We just wanted to enhance those who were down in one area or another, and we focused on just giving them clarity and getting their roles right. 

“To all our stakeholders, KRU, our families, supporters near and wide, pray for us…keep us in prayer and support us in whichever other way you can.”

Chipu are placed in Pool B of the tournament and will start their campaign against Uruguay on Thursday, July 2, followed by a match against the Netherlands on Sunday, July 7. 

They will complete their group fixtures with a match against the USA on Friday, July 12. 

This marks Chipu’s fourth appearance at the tournament, having previously competed in 2009 (Nairobi), 2019 (Brazil), and 2023 (Nairobi). 

The winner of this tournament will qualify for the 2025 World Rugby Junior Championship.

Chipu Squad | World Rugby Junior Trophy 2024 | Jul 2-17 | Edinburgh, Scotland

Darrel Oluoch, Ian Nyandusi, Bramwel Mate, Brian Shile, Geylord Ngasi, Hafidh Mohammed, Eugene Etali, Cleyn Okumbi, Andycole Omolo, Eddy Otieno, Iddo Kuta, Wycliffe Ogutu, Nathan Tsindoli, Willy Tino, Edmond Omondi, Patrick Wainaina, Benedict Muiruri, Faran Juma, Philip Okeyo, Alvin Khavoli, Brian Kiptoo, Dennis Ndayala, Kipchirchir Bett, Elvis Otete, Eugene Ojiambo, Jackson Siketi, Michael Wamalwa, James Olela.

NON TRAVELLING RESERVES:

Jeffrey Namiti, John Asega, Jeff Maina, Rogers Omanyi 

MANAGEMENT

Simon Jawichre (Head Coach), Qondani Katywa, (Assistant Coach), Kenny Andola (Assistant Coach), Williams Motto (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Philip Wamae (Team Manager), Wacera Githua (Assistant Team Manager), Aysha Omar (Team Doctor) & Samuel Ochieng (Physio).