Chipu kick off training for Barthes Cup defence

The Kenya U20 men’s rugby team, Chipu, began their preparations for the 2025 Barthes Cup with the first training camp at RFUEA Grounds on Sunday, 2 March. The team is gearing up to defend their continental title in the tournament set to take place in Zimbabwe from 17 to 27 April.

The squad selection process has been ongoing, with a focus on retaining eligible players from last year’s championship-winning side while integrating new talent. A majority of the selected players are currently competing in the Kenya Cup, ensuring they remain in peak condition ahead of the tournament.

The list of selected players has been released, featuring key names such as Kenya Harlequin playmaker Faran Juma and Nondies’ trio of Maxwell Kipsang, Eugene Odhiambo, and Dennis Ndayala. The training schedule includes multiple camps, with Nairobi-based players set to travel to Nakuru next week, where they will be joined by counterparts from Nakuru and Kakamega for a combined session.

Among those set to participate in the Nakuru camp are Brian Kiptanui, Darrell Olouch, and Daniel Kipchirchir, who were part of last year’s victorious squad. Other promising young players, including Michael Lukusi, Roymark Maruti, Branton Lusisa, and Javan Otieno, have also made the cut.

This training phase will be crucial as Chipu fine-tune their squad ahead of the prestigious continental tournament. The full list of selected players is as follows:

Nairobi Training Camp Selections

Loosehead Prop: Almasi Wachira (Strathmore Leos), Jastine Pendo Mabangu (Impala RFC), Ian Wendo (Zetech Oaks)

Hooker: Mathews Arina (Strathmore Leos), Moses Owino (CUEA Monks), Michael Kamunge (Zetech Oaks)

Tighthead Prop: Jeremy Maina (KU Blak Blad), Ian Muyala (Strathmore Leos)

Lock: Sunway Murila (Zetech Oaks), Aldrine Andanje (Mwamba RFC), George Mutei (Nondies), Jeremy Namiti (Kenya Harlequin), Josphat Nderitu (Nondies), Eddy Otieno (Impala RFC)

Blindside Flanker: Griffin David (Strathmore Leos), Jowi Barret (KU Blak Blad)

Openside Flanker: Maxwell Kipsang (Nondies), Adrian Omondi (Strathmore Leos), Juma Henry (KU Blak Blad)

Number 8: Biphon Mbaka (KCA University), Owen Ayieko (Daystar Falcons), Benjamin Ndolo (Strathmore Leos)

Scrum Half: Rogers Omanyi (Nondies)

Fly Half: Ketti Ainsley (Daystar Falcons), Faran Juma (Kenya Harlequins), Norbert Okoth (Strathmore Leos)

Left Wing: Eugene Odhiambo (Mwamba RFC), Gabriel Otete (KU Blak Blad)

Inside Centre: Pila Emmanuel Lewis (Daystar Falcons), Dennis Ndayala (Mwamba RFC)

Outside Centre: James Njoroge (KU Blak Blad), Luke Cheptile (Strathmore Leos), Mark Gachau (KU Blak Blad)

Right Wing: Felix Ligono (KU Blak Blad)

Nakuru Training Camp Selections

Loosehead Prop: Darrel Oluoch (Kabras Sugar RFC)

Hooker: Joseph Jibril Lugonzo (Kabras Sugar RFC)

Tighthead Prop: Mike Muriithi (Kabras Sugar RFC), Rebel Tony (Menengai Oilers)

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Lock: John Asega (S.C Pirates), Bravin Onyango (Menengai Oilers)

Blindside Flanker: Justine Lunale (Menengai Oilers), Reuben Okunda (Kabras Sugar RFC)

Openside Flanker: John Ombango (Menengai Oilers)

Scrum Half: Roymark Maruti (Kabras Sugar RFC), Benedict Muiruri (Menengai Oilers)

Fly Half: Abil Junior (Kabras Sugar RFC), Boniface Murimi (Menengai Oilers)

Left Wing: Brian Kiptanui (Kabras Sugar RFC), Javan Otieno (Nakuru RFC)

Inside Centre: Daniel Kipchirchir (Menengai Oilers), Daniel Brantana (Kabras Sugar RFC)

Outside Centre: Brian Achacha (Menengai Oilers), Brian Oyugi (Menengai Oilers)

Right Wing: Branton Lusisa (Kabras Sugar RFC), Amos Ouma (Menengai Oilers), Otieno Kevin Maiche (Kabras Sugar RFC), Victor Wawire (Kabras Sugar RFC)

Fullback: Glacious Owino (Menengai Oilers), Michael Lukusi (Kabras Sugar RFC), Moses Ajak (Menengai Oilers), Christian Otieno Onyango (Menengai Oilers)

The training sessions will be vital in sharpening the squad as they aim to retain their continental title in April.