Kenya Simbas’ the national rugby15s team has secured a Kshs 10 million sponsorship deal from Hildana Lodge ahead of their campaigns to their first ever World Cup qualification.
The Paul Odera coached side is expected to play in the qualifying round championships that will be held in France from Friday 1st to 12th July which will double up as Rugby World Cup qualifiers.
Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman Oduor Gangla noted that the Simbas have been in intense preparations for the past two years with eyes firmly on achieving their targets.
“KRU appreciates this timely partnership that will certainly be a boost to the Simbas who have been in intense preparations over the past two years for this assignment.
The semifinals are set for July 6 while the finals have been penciled for July 10 with the winner earning a direct qualification to next year’s global showpiece. The runner-up proceeds to play in a repechage tournament to earn a berth in rugby’s global showpiece.
The Hildana Lodge lies at the foot of the Taita Hills. The sanctuary forms a part of Teita Sisal Estate and speaks to the family’s passion and commitment to the conservation of the wildlife and the surrounding environment.
Jimmy Mnene, the Teita Sisal representative said: “The company has been a strong supporter of both Kenya Simbas and Chipu since 2019. Our wish as a company is to promote and develop our great team to be at the forefront of international rugby. It is our honour to be associated with the Simbas and the KRU.