National rugby under 20 coach Simon Jawichre has named his provisional 64-man squad to spearhead the 2024 Barthes Cup in Harare, Zimbabwe from April 20th – 28th.
The criterion of selection was taken into account during the trials held by the Kenya 15s Program management at the RFUEA grounds last month.
14 of the players included in the squad were part of the team last year, 12 featured in both the Barthes U20 tournament and the World Rugby U20 tournament in April and July respectively, while the other two were included in the squad, but failed to make the final cut.
The team is expected to have three training sessions –one on Sunday and two later in the month- after which the team is expected to be whittled down to 40 squad members.
Simbas Coach Jerome Paarwater is expected to attend the training sessions, as per the new 15s rugby structure with the hopes of forging a formidable 30-man squad by mid-March.
His experience will be key in the team’s growth process, with their sights set on Zimbabwe, who on paper are a daunting test to the young side.
PROVISIONAL SQUAD
Tight Head Props; Hafidh Mohamed, Darren Oluoch, Mike Muriithi, GeylordNgasi.
Hookers; Joseph Gitoi, Owen Ayieko, Dennis Ochieng, Brian Shile, SospeterRofino, Jeremy Odhiambo
Loose Head Props; Erick Juma, Wycliffe Ogutu, Dillan Ouma, Dennis Kisingu, AdenyaNyandusi
Locks; Leon Onduso, AldrineAndajeAndycoleOmollo, Eugene Etale, Nathan Tsindoli, Edmond Omondi, Eddy Otieno, Hillary Rooney, John Asega, Kelvin Okwanyo
Backrows; Maxwell Kipsang, BiphonMbaka, Mark Muraya, Willy Tino, Jeremy Namiti, IddoKuta, Justine Lunale.
Scrumhalves; Patrick Wainaina, RoymarkMuruti, Obed Aberi, Charles Maina, Brian Mwendwa Mike Wamalwa.
John Njuguna
