The squad features four debutants who impressed during the training camp, Vincent Mwikhali, Patrick Sabatia, David Bunduki, and Samuel Ovwamu , all earning their first call-ups to the national side.
Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater has unveiled a 28-man squad set to travel to Uganda for the 2027 Rugby World Cup Qualifiers. The announcement was made on Monday, 1st July 2025, following the team’s month-long high-performance training camp in South Africa.
During their stint in South Africa, the Simbas played nine friendly matches against various opposition as part of their preparation for the qualifiers. Paarwater said the boys are “looking well prepared and ready for the tournament in Uganda,” and added that the technical bench is “glad there are no major injuries in the squad.”
He noted that the South African camp offered valuable experience and enhanced team chemistry, saying “there have been a lot of lessons learned, and the players bonded really well. That kind of unity is key both on and off the field.”
The squad features four debutants who impressed during the training camp, Vincent Mwikhali, Patrick Sabatia, David Bunduki, and Samuel Ovwamu , all earning their first call-ups to the national side. Also making a return to the squad are Thomas Okeyo, Samuel Asati, Jone Kubu, and John Okoth.
Team Manager Jimmy Mnene expressed confidence in the selected squad, noting that “we believe this is the best group available,” and that “the new players bring a fresh dynamic into the setup, and we’re excited about what they’ll add.”
The Simbas are scheduled to face Uganda in a knockout clash on Tuesday, 8th July at the Mandela National Stadium. The winner of that tie will face either Zimbabwe or Morocco on 13th July.
Full Kenya Simbas Squad:
Forwards: Ephraim Oduor, Edward Mwaura, Eugene Sifuna, Teddy Akala, Wilhite Mususi, Vincent Mwikhali, Hibrahim Ayoo, Thomas Okeyo, Andycole Omolo, Emanuel Silungi, George Nyambua, Patrick Sabatia, David Bunduki, Obat Kuke, Bethuel Anami, Elkeans Musonye
Backs: Samuel Asati, Brian Tanga, Barry Young, Brian Wahinya, Griffin Chao, Walter Okoth, Samuel Ovwamu, Bryceson Adaka, John Okoth, Timothy Omela, Jone Kubu, Derrick Ashihundu