Romania-based trio included as Jerome Paarwater names 47-man Kenya Simbas squad for  2027 World Cup qualifiers

Kenya Simbas' Brian Wahinya leads jubilant teammates in celebration after a hard-fought victory against Uganda Rugby at RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi, on November 9, 2024.©Imago

Romania-based trio included as Jerome Paarwater names 47-man Kenya Simbas squad for 2027 World Cup qualifiers

Mark Kinyanjui 21:40 - 28.01.2025

Romania-based duo of Ian Njenga and Cornelius Mokoro have been included as Jerome Paarwater has named his first provisional squad of 47 players for 2025 ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifiers.

The Kenya Simbas have officially kicked off preparations for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup (RAC) as head coach Jerome Paarwater named a 47-man training squad. Among the fresh faces is Romania-based scrum-half Conellias Mokoro, who adds an international edge to the squad’s backline.

The RAC, scheduled to take place in Uganda this July, offers a direct ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia for the winner, while the runner-up will enter a pre-repechage playoff.

Mokoro, a product of Kenya’s youth rugby system, is no stranger to the national stage. Having previously represented the under-20 side, Chipu, and featured for the Morans in high-profile tournaments like last year’s Safari Sevens and the Africa Cup Sevens in Mauritius, his inclusion bolsters the Simbas’ depth.

His experience in European rugby, courtesy of his stint in Romania with CSA Steaua, is expected to complement the team’s growing talent pool, alongside his fellow teammate Ian Njenga. Melvin Thairu is the other Romania-based player included , plying his trade for SCM Rugby Timișoara.

The Simbas commenced their Rugby World Cup qualification campaign with a four-day residential camp on January 26 in Kakamega. The team is eager to bounce back after falling short in their last two World Cup qualification cycles.

In 2022, Kenya narrowly missed out on Africa’s sole ticket to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, losing to Namibia in the Rugby Africa Cup final. The following year saw further disappointment, with the Simbas finishing fourth after a tight 20-12 loss to Algeria in the third-place playoff.

This time, the stakes are higher, but so are the opportunities. The expanded World Cup format, which increases the number of participating teams from 20 to 24, presents a golden chance for Kenya to claim one of the additional slots.

The squad features a mix of experienced players and promising talent, including Simbas captain George Nyambua, Kabras assistant captain Eugene Sifuna, and versatile playmaker Jone Kubu.

The forwards’ lineup is stacked with power, including Hibrahim Ayoo, Elkeans Musonye, and veteran hooker Eugene Sifuna. In the backline, Mokoro is joined by reliable names like Samson Onsomu and Brian Wahinya, while the wings boast explosive talent such as Beldad Ogeta and Derrick Ashihundu.

Squad:

Forwards

Loosehead Props: Melvin Thairu, Edward Mwaura, Ian Njenga, Andrew Siminyu

Hookers: Eugene Sifuna, Celestine Mboi, Khaidar Mohamed, Teddy Akala, Griffin Musila

Tighthead Props: Wilhite Mususi, Ephraim Oduor, Desterious Ifedha, Emmanuel Otieno, Erick Miheso

Locks: Hibrahim Ayoo, Andycole Omollo, Hillary Odhiambo, Hillary Baraza, Emmanuel Silungi

Flankers: George Nyambua, Collins Indeche, Ahmos Obae, Charles Omondi, Elkeans Musonye, Clinton Odhiambo

Number 8: Jeanson Misoga, Sheldon Kahi, Obat Kuke

Backline

Scrum-Halves: Conellias Mokoro, Samson Onsomu, Emmanuel Opondo

Fly-Halves: Brian Wahinya, Barry Young, Jone Kubu

Wings: Beldad Ogeta, Griffin Chao, Derrick Ashihundu, Alfred Orege

Centres: Walter Okoth, Wiseman Aganya, Paul Mutsami, Richel Wagila, Bryceson Adaka, Charles Odhiambo, Tyson Maina

Fullbacks: Abdultwalib Wesonga, Timothy Omela

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