Coach Jerome Paarwater unveils final squad for 2025 Rugby Africa Cup

Head coach of the Kenya men’s fifteens national team, Jerome Paarwater. (Photo: KRU)

By Bashir Mbuthia
Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Head coach Jerome Paarwater confirmed the squad members on Tuesday following a rigorous four-week training tour in South Africa.

Kenya's national 15s side, the Simbas, have finalised their 28-man roster for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, set to kick off on July 8 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

Head coach Jerome Paarwater confirmed the squad members on Tuesday following a rigorous four-week training tour in South Africa.

More To Read

Four players have earned their first national team call-ups: Kabras RFC's forward Patrick Sabatia, Menengai Oilers centre Samuel Ovwamu, South Africa-based David Bunduki of the Griffons, and Oilers prop Vincent Mwikali.

Up front, props Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar RFC), Edward Mwaura (Kabras Sugar), Wilhite Mususi (KCB RFC), and Vincent Mwikali (Menengai Oilers rfc) will anchor the scrum, supported by hookers Teddy Akala (Kabras Sugar) and Eugine Sifuna (Kabras Sugar).

The second row features Hibrhaim Ayoo (Menengai Oilers), Thomas Okeyo (NovaVit Griffons), Andycole Omollo (KCB RFC), and Emmanuel Silungi (KCB RFC), while the back row includes George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar), Patrick Sabatia (Kabras Sugar RFC), David Bunduki (NovaVit Griffons), Obat Kuke (Blak Blad RFC), Bethuel Anami (MLSGP 78), and Elkeans Musonye (Menengai Oilers RFC).

Samuel Asati (KCB RFC) and Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar RFC) will share scrumhalf duties, with Barry Young (Kabras Sugar RFC) and Brian Wahinya (KCB RFC) covering flyhalf.

Griffin Chao (Kabras Sugar RFC) and Timothy Omela (Menengai Oilers) are listed as wingers, while the midfield roles go to Walter Okoth (Kabras Sugar), Samuel Ovwamu (Menengai Oilers RFC), Bryceson Adaka (Kabras Sugar RFC), and John Okoth (Menengai Oilers).

Jone Kubu (Kabras Sugar RFC) and Derick Ashiundu round out the squad at fullback.

"The guys are looking well prepared and ready for the tournament in Uganda. We're glad that we don't have any serious injuries within the team," said Paarwater.

The Simbas' South African tour produced mixed results. Simbas closed out their South African tour with a 42-35 loss to Limpopo Blue Bulls on Thursday, 26th June 2025, at the Nylstroom Rugby Club.

Before this, Simbas edged Supa Barbarians 27-24 and drew 17-17 with SWD Eagles. They also lost twice to South Africa U20s.

"There have been a lot of lessons learned in South Africa, and the players bonded very well with each other, and this improves teamwork both on and off the field," said Paarwater.

The squad will depart for Uganda on Wednesday. The Simbas will kick off their campaign on Tuesday, July 8, in a knockout match against Uganda, after which they will face either Zimbabwe or Morocco on July 13.

The tournament's champions will qualify directly for the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027.

The runner-up will progress to the Asia/Africa Play-off. Nations involved include: Algeria, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Namibia, Senegal, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Morocco.