The Kenya Simbas are set to host the United Arab Emirates (UAE) rugby team in a crucial build-up match on Saturday, 24th May 2025, as both sides gear up for major international assignments later in the year.
The fixture, to be held in Nairobi, will serve as a key preparatory encounter for the Simbas ahead of their month-long high-performance tour of South Africa and their participation in the Rugby Africa Cup, which also acts as the 2027 Rugby World Cup Qualifier.
The match will also benefit the UAE team as they prepare for the Asian Cup scheduled for later in the year, providing both teams with valuable international experience and an opportunity to fine-tune their squads.
Kenya’s Head of the Fifteens Program, Jerome Paarwater, outlined the Simbas’ intensive preparation schedule. Currently, a squad of 50 players is in camp in Kakamega, from which 33 will be selected for a pre-departure camp beginning 26th May.
The team will then depart for South Africa on 28th May for a high-performance tour designed to expose the players to top-level competition.
The South African leg of the tour is divided into two phases. The first phase, from 28th May to 22nd June, will be based in Cape Town in partnership with Western Province.
During this period, the Simbas will play Saturday fixtures against Currie Cup sides and participate in midweek contact sessions with local club and university teams.
This exposure is expected to enhance the team’s tactical and physical preparedness for the demanding Rugby Africa Cup.
The second phase will see the Simbas relocate to Nylstroom from 22nd to 27th June, where they will collaborate with the Blue Bulls.
This segment includes scheduled matches against the Bulls’ Currie Cup squads on Tuesday and Thursday, providing further high-level match practice.
The Kenya Simbas’ comprehensive build-up program reflects their ambition to secure a spot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup and to elevate their performance on the continental stage.
The upcoming match against UAE and the subsequent South African tour are seen as vital steps in their journey toward achieving these goals.
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