Kenya Rugby Union unveils Chipu's provisional squad for 2024 Barthes U20 Trophy

In anticipation of the highly anticipated 2024 Barthes U20 Trophy tournament slated for April 20th to 28th in Harare, Zimbabwe, the Kenya Rugby Union has announced the provisional squad for the Kenya U20 National team, affectionately known as Chipu. A total of 56 players have been carefully selected from an initial pool of 125 aspiring talents who showcased their skills during the trials conducted by the Kenya 15s Program management.

Among the selected players, fourteen were part of the formidable 2023 squad, which notably included twelve individuals who competed in both the Barthes U20 Trophy and the World Rugby U20 Trophy in April and July of that year. Additionally, two players who were part of the 2023 provisional squad but didn't secure spots in the final lineup have also been given another opportunity to shine.

Under the guidance of coaches Simon Jawichre and Kenny Rogers Andola, the Chipu squad will kick off their preparations for the upcoming challenge in Zimbabwe starting Sunday, February 25th. This rigorous training regimen aims to hone the skills and coordination of the young athletes, ensuring they are in peak condition for the tournament.

The provisional squad boasts a diverse array of talents hailing from various clubs and schools, showcasing the depth of rugby talent in Kenya. From tight head props to the back three, each player brings their unique strengths and abilities to the table, promising an exciting display of rugby prowess on the international stage.

Here's the full provisional squad for Chipu 2024

Tight Head Props

Hafidh Abdulrehman Mohamed - Mombasa RFC

Darren Oluoch - Kabras Sugar

Mike Muriithi - Kabras Sugar

Geylord Mgasi - Daystar Falcons

Hookers

Joseph Gitoi - Daystar Falcons

Owen Ayieko - Kenyatta University Blak Blad

Dennis Ochieng - Shamas Foundation

Brian Shile - Kenyatta University Blak Blad

Sospeter Rofino - South Coast Pirates

Jeremy Odhiambo - CUEA Monks

Loose Head Props

Erick Juma - Daystar Falcons

Ogutu Wycliffe - Daystar Falcons

Dillan Ouma - Blak Blad

Dennis Kisingu - Strathmore Leos

Adenya Nyandusi - Strathmore Leos

Locks

Leon Onduso - Impala

Aldrine Andaje - Daystar Falcons

Andycole Omolo - KCB

Eugene Etale - Menengai Oilers

Nathan Tsindoli - Daystar Falcons

Edmond Omondi - MMUST

Eddy Otieno - Northern Suburbs

Hillary Rooney - MKU

John Asega - SC Pirates

Kelvin Okwanyo - Maseno

Backrows

Maxwell Kipsang - Nondies

Biphon Mbaka - Homeboyz Rugby

Mark Muraya - D Kimathi

Willy Tino - JKUAT

Jeremy Namiti - Kenya Harlequin

Iddo Kuta - Kenya Harlequin

Justine Lunale - Menengai Oilers

Scrumhalves

Patrick Wainaina* - Kenya Harlequin

Roymark Maruti - Kabras Sugar

Obed Aberi - Homeboyz Rugby

Charles Maina - Molo

Brian Mwendwa - Unattached

Fly Halves

Ketti Ainsley - Daystar Falcons

Faran Juma - Kenya Harlequin

Centers

Mike Wamalwa - KCB

Daniel Kipchirchir - W. Bulls

Issa Benjamin - KCA

Darrel Brantana - Kabras Sugar

Joseph Ouma - Unattached

Jean Claude Aywah - Daystar Falcons

Dennis Ndayala - Mwamba RFC

Back Three

Simon Buluku - Mwamba RFC

Rene Wangalachi - Mwamba RFC

Samuel Mutua - MKU

Eugene Ojiambo - Mwamba RFC

Utilities

Jackson Siketi - Kabras Sugar

Elvis Otete - Kenyatta University Blak Blad

Benson Kihiti - Unattached

Derrick Owino - Administration Police Warriors

Olusisa Branton - Administration Police Warriors

Brian Kiptanui - Kabras Sugar