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

Kenya Chipu © Kenya Rugby Union

By Rama Mohammed | 23 Feb 2024

Kenya Rugby Union has revealed the provisional squad for Chipu, the Kenya U20 National team, ahead of the Barthes U20 Trophy. From a pool of 125, 56 players were selected after trials held on February 17th. The team, led by coaches Simon Jawichre and Kenny Rogers Andola, is gearing up for the tournament set for April 20th to 28th in Harare, Zimbabwe.

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.

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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