The Kenya Simbas management, led by Head Coach Jerome Paarwater, unveiled the 28-man squad set to compete in the 2027 Rugby World Cup Qualifiers in Uganda on Tuesday, 1st July 2025.
The announcement follows a vigorous one-month High-Performance training camp held in South Africa.
During this intensive preparation period, the Simbas contested nine matches against various opponents. Coach Paarwater expressed satisfaction with the team’s readiness.
“The guys are looking well prepared and ready for the tournament in Uganda. We’re glad that we don’t have any serious injuries within the team,” he stated
Reflecting on the camp’s benefits beyond physical conditioning, Paarwater added
“There have been a lot of lessons learned in South Africa and the players bonded very well with each other and this improves the teamwork both on and off the field.”
The final squad introduces four uncapped players eager to make their mark on the international stage: Vincent Mwikhali (Menengai Oilers RFC), Patrick Sabatia (Kabras Sugar RFC), David Bunduki (NovaVit Griffons), and Samuel Ovwamu (Menengai Oilers RFC). Paarwater highlighted their impact.
‘’They made a clear statement while in South Africa by raising their hand for selection,” he noted
The squad also welcomes back experienced campaigners Thomas Okeyo (NovaVit Griffons), Samuel Asati (KCB RFC), Jone Kubu (Kabras Sugar RFC), and John Okoth (Menengai Oilers RFC).
Kenya Simbas Team Manager, Jimmy Mnene, echoed the coach’s confidence in the selected group:
“We are confident in the squad that has been selected and we are confident that we have selected the best team we have. The four new players will bring a fresh feel within the set up,” Mnene said
The Simbas begin their qualification campaign with a high-stakes knockout match against hosts Uganda on Tuesday, 8th July 2025.
The winner of this crucial encounter will advance to face either Zimbabwe or Morocco on Sunday, 13th July 2025. All matches will be hosted at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
Kenya Simbas 28-Man Squad for 2027 RWC Qualifiers:
Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar RFC)
Edward Mwaura (Kabras Sugar RFC)
Eugene Sifuna (Kabras Sugar RFC)
Teddy Akala (Kabras Sugar RFC)
Wilhite Mususi (KCB RFC)
Vincent Mwikhali (Menengai Oilers RFC)
Hibrahim Ayoo (Menengai Oilers RFC)
Thomas Okeyo (NovaVit Griffons)
Andycole Omolo (KCB RFC)
Emanuel Silungi (KCB RFC)
George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar RFC)
Patrick Sabatia (Kabras Sugar RFC)
David Bunduki (NovaVit Griffons)
Obat Kuke (Blak Blad RFC)
Bethuel Anami (MSLGP 78)
Elkeans Musonye (Menengai Oilers RFC)
Samuel Asati (KCB RFC)
Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar RFC)
Barry Young (Kabras Sugar RFC)
Brian Wahinya (KCB RFC)
Griffin Chao (Kabras Sugar RFC)
Walter Okoth (Kabras Sugar RFC)
Samuel Ovwamu (Menengai Oilers RFC)
Bryceson Adaka (Kabras Sugar RFC)
John Okoth (Menengai Oilers RFC)
Timothy Omela (Menengai Oilers RFC)
Jone Kubu (Kabras Sugar RFC)
Derrick Ashihundu (Kabras Sugar RFC)
