Kenya Rugby Union has named the Chipu squad that will represent the country at the 2026 Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy, set to be held in Kampala, Uganda, from August 7-15.
The tournament will be staged at Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku, Uganda, with Kenya opening its campaign against Zimbabwe in the Performance Division semi-finals on Friday, August 7. The winner will advance to the final, while the loser will contest the third-place playoff.
The Performance Division features Kenya, Zimbabwe, defending champions Namibia and Tunisia, with the winner emerging after two rounds of fixtures.
Kenya’s preparations began with a regional training camp at Nakuru Athletic Club for players from Rift Valley, Western and Nyanza before shifting to the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi for two additional camps that concluded over the weekend.
The squad is coached by Simon Jawichre from CUEA Monks, who will be assisted by Carlos Katywa from Kabras RFC as forwards coach.
Motto Williams is the strength and conditioning coach, Samuel Ochieng the team physio, while Phillip Wamae and Wacera Githua are the team manager and assistant team manager respectively.
Among the notable selections is Faran Juma, who earns his fourth consecutive call-up to the Chipu squad. The Kenya Harlequins back has been part of the team that finished runners-up in 2023, won the title in 2024 and placed second in 2025.
Kenya will be looking to reclaim the Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy after finishing runners-up in 2025. Chipu last lifted the continental title in 2024 by defeating Zimbabwe 28-13 in the final, ending the Junior Sables’ two-year reign, before settling for second place last year as Namibia emerged champions.
Kenya Chipu squad for the 2026 Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy
Forwards: Daudi Jabita, Jacktone Olali, Mike Muriithi, Innocent Indeche, Jibril Joseph, Justine Ng’ombe, Chelsese Otieno, Thomas Odhiambo, Aldrine Misiomi, Jaden Paul, Randy Otuoma, Maxwell Kipsang, Joshua Monoo, John Ombango and Derrick Osano.
Backs: Michael Olukusi, Rohan Neel, Jackson Siketi, Rayvon Ambale, Dennis Ndayala, Matrix Matangi, Abdul Zubeir, Loren Nyamolo, Wayne Otieno, Faran Juma, Brian Kiptanui, Monda Tsuyoshi and Ezekiel Ray.
Technical Bench: Simon Jawichre (Head Coach), Carlos Katywa (Forwards Coach), Motto Williams (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Samuel Ochieng (Team Physio), Phillip Wamae (Team Manager) and Wacera Githua (Assistant Team Manager).
