Kenya Simbas to open Rugby Africa Cup against Uganda

Kenya Simbas, the national rugby 15s team will be facing off with Uganda at the Rugby Africa Cup that serves as the 2027 Rugby World qualifiers.

Head coach Jerome Paarwater named the final squad for the continental championships that will be staged at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda starting from Tuesday July 9^th.

According to the fixtures, defending champions Zimbabwe Sables will kick off the quarterfinal proceedings with a match against newly promoted Morocco on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, followed by last year finalists Algeria will face off against Ivory Coast in the second quarterfinal then former champions Namibia taking on Senegal in the before the highly anticipated East African derby between Kenya Simbas and hosts Uganda Rugby Cranes.

The winning teams will proceed to the semi-finals scheduled for Sunday, July 13 then the tournament will conclude with the final on July 19^th where the winner will secure Africa’s direct ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Kenya Simbas squad

Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar), Edward Mwaura (Kabras Sugar), Eugene Sifuna (Kabras Sugar), Teddy Akala (Kabras Sugar), Wilhite Mususi (KCB), Vincent Mwikhali (Menengai Oilers), Hibrahim Ayoo (Menengai Oilers), Thomas Okeyo (NovaVit Griffons), Andycole Omolo (KCB), Emanuel Silungi (KCB), George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar), Patrick Sabatia (Kabras Sugar), David Bunduki (NovaVit Griffons), Obat Kuke (Blak Blad), Bethuel Anami (MLSGP 78), Elkeans Musonye (Menengai Oilers), Samuel Asati (KCB), Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar), Barry Young (Kabras Sugar), Brian Wahinya (KCB), Griffin Chao (Kabras Sugar), Walter Okoth (Kabras Sugar), Samuel Ovwamu (Menengai Oilers), Bryceson Adaka (Kabras Sugar), John Okoth (Menengai Oilers), Timothy Omela (Menengai Oilers), Jone Kubu (Kabras Sugar), Derrick Ashihundu (Kabras Sugar).

Fixtures

Tuesday July 08

1. Zimbabwe vs Morocco
2. Algeria vs Côte d’Ivoire
3. Namibia vs Senegal
4. Kenya vs Uganda

Sunday July 13^th

1. Loser Match 2 vs Loser Match 3
2. Loser Match 1 vs Loser Match 4
3. Winner Match 2 vs Winner Match 3
4. Winner Match 1 vs Winner Match 4