Former captain Wilson Kapondo has returned in the Simbas, the National 15 aside team ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup Repechage.
Kopondo was named by head coach Ian Snook in a 33 man squad that will be reporting to the training camp on Monday. The then captain has been out due to injury, missing the Africa Gold Cup cum 2019 World Cup qualifier where Kenya lost to Namibia in the decider.
Kapondo joins newcomers like Thomas Okidia, Ephraim Oduor and Elvis Namusasi as regulars Curtis Lilako, Oscar Simiyu, Isaac Adimo, Edmund Anya and Erick Kerre were left out.
Kenya will be yearning to keep hopes that they make it to the world cup in France’s Marseille repechage which is their final stab at qualification for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
The Simbas will play perennial rivals Canada, Germany and Hong Kong in the round robin competition whose winner will secure a ticket to compete against New Zealand, South Africa, Italy and Namibia in Pool B of next year’s tournament in Japan.
The team starts training on Monday 3 September.
Squad
FORWARDS:
Props: Patrick Ouko (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Moses Amusala (KCB), Thomas Okidia (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar), Joseph Odero (Kabras Sugar), Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras Sugar)
Hookers: Colman Were (Kabras Sugar), Peter Karia (KCB), Philip Ikambili (Menengai Cream Homeboyz)
Locks: Wilson Kopondo (Kenya Harlequin), Andrew Chogo (Kabras Sugar), Oliver Mang’eni (KCB), Malcolm Onsando (Kenya Harlequin)
Backrow: George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar), Dalmus Chituyi (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Elkeans Musonye (Strathmore Leos), Davis Chenge (KCB), Martin Owilah (KCB)
BACKS
Scrum halves: Samson Onsomu (Resolution Impala Saracens), Mohamed Omollo (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Xavier Kipng’etich (Resolution Impala Saracens)
Fly Halves: Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Elvis Namusasi (Regional Logistics Mombasa)
Centers: Leo Seje (Resolution Impala Saracens), Maxwell Kang’eri ( Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Peter Kilonzo (KCB), Zedden Marrow (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Felix Ayange ( Kabras Sugar)
Back Three: Tony Onyango (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Vincent Mose (Resolution Impala Saracens), Jacob Ojee (KCB), William Ambaka (Kenya Harlequin)
Utility: Biko Adema (Nondescripts)