The Kenya Simbas have unveiled a 50-man provisional squad as they prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifiers, set to take place in Kampala, Uganda, from 6th to 20th July 2025.
Head coach Jerome Paarwater and his technical team are determined to build a squad capable of qualifying for the prestigious tournament, starting with a rigorous training schedule.
The qualification journey will begin with a residential training camp in Kakamega, running from 11th to 18th May 2025.
This initial phase will allow the technical team to assess the players through intense training, after which the squad will be trimmed to 33 players.
The selected 33 will then regroup for a short pre-departure camp on 26th May before heading to South Africa on 28th May for a high-performance tour.
The South African leg of the build-up will be divided into two phases:
Phase One: From 28th May to 22nd June, the team will be based in Cape Town in collaboration with Western Province.
During this time, the Simbas will play Saturday fixtures against Currie Cup sides, along with midweek contact sessions with local clubs and universities.
Phase Two: From 22nd to 27th June, the squad will move to Nylstroom for a collaboration with the Blue Bulls, featuring midweek matches against the Bulls’ Currie Cup squads.
After the South African tour, the team will return to Kenya on 27th June for a brief pre-departure camp scheduled for 1st and 2nd July.
The final leg of the journey will see the squad travel to Uganda on 3rd July to begin preparations for the qualifiers.
Head Coach Jerome Paarwater commented on the squad selection, acknowledging that the changes were largely driven by player injuries.
He expressed his gratitude to the Kenya Cup coaches for their role in the selection process, saying:
“I want to deeply thank the various coaches from the Kenya Cup teams. They played a vital role in selecting players from their clubs during the past season.”
Paarwater also confirmed that several foreign-based players have been included, signaling a balance of local talent and international experience.
The South African-led technical team remains confident that the structured build-up, combining local camps and high-intensity exposure abroad, will give the Simbas the edge they need to perform strongly in Kampala.
Full Squad Breakdown
Forwards
Loosehead Props (1):
Melvin Thairu – Gura Humorului Rugby Club
Edward Mwaura – Kabras Sugar RFC
Ian Njenga – Gura Humorului Rugby Club
Hookers (2):
Eugene Sifuna – Kabras Sugar RFC
Celestine Mboi – Menengai Oilers
Teddy Akala – Kabras Sugar RFC
Griffin Musila – KCB
Tighthead Props (3):
Wilhite Mususi – KCB
Vincent Mwikali – Menengai Oilers
Ephraim Oduor – Kabras
Desterious Ifedha – Menengai Oilers
Locks (4 & 5):
Hibrahim Ayoo – Menengai Oilers
Brian Juma – Kabras
Andycole Omollo – KCB
Hillary Odhiambo – Kabras
Thomas Okeyo – NovaVit Griffons
Emmanuel Silungi – KCB
Blindside Flankers (6):
George Nyambua – Kabras RFC
Patrick Sabatia – Kabras RFC
David Bunduki – NovaVit Griffons
Kevin Wekesa – Kabras RFC
Openside Flankers (7):
Elvis Olukusi – KCB
Charles Omondi – Nondies
Elkeans Musonye – Menengai Oilers
William Mwanji – Kabras
Number 8s (8):
Bethuel Anami – MLSGP 78
Sheldon Kahi – Kenya Harlequin
Obat Kuke – Blak Blad
Backs
Scrum Halves (9):
Brian Tanga – Kabras
Samson Onsomu – Menengai Cream Oilers
Samuel Asati – KCB RFC
Flyhalves (10):
Brian Wahinya – KCB
Barry Young – Kabras Sugar
Jone Kubu – Kabras Sugar
Left Wings (11):
Beldad Ogeta – Menengai Cream Oilers
Festus Shiasi – KCB
Griffin Chao – Kabras Sugar
Inside Centres (12):
Walter Okoth – Kabras Sugar
Samuel Ovwamu – Menengai Oilers
John Okoth – Menengai Oilers
Paul Mutsami – Kenya Harlequin
Outside Centres (13):
Vincent Onyala – KCB
Bryceson Adaka – Kabras Sugar
Tyson Maina – KCB
Charles Odhiambo – Nondies
Right Wings (14):
Austine Sikutwa – KCB
Timothy Omela – Menengai Oilers
Alfred Orege – Kabras Sugar
Fullbacks (15):
Isaac Njoroge – KCB
Eric Cantona – Kabras Sugar
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