Simbas names 50 players to provisional squad ahead of Kakamega camp
Head coach Jerome Paarwater noted significant changes driven largely by player injuries
Kenya Simbas have unveiled a 50-man provisional squad set to begin preparations for the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2027 qualifiers, which will be held in Kampala, Uganda from 6th to 20th July 2025.
Head coach Jerome Paarwater and his technical team will kick off the qualification journey with a residential training camp in Kakamega from 11th to 18th May 2025. This initial phase will see the squad undergo intense training and assessment, after which it will be trimmed down to 33 players.
The selected 33 will then regroup on May 26 for a short pre-departure camp before departing on 28th May for a high-performance tour in South Africa. This South African leg will be split into two key phases. The first phase runs from May 28 to June 22 in Cape Town, in partnership with Western Province.
During this time, the Simbas will engage in Saturday fixtures against Currie Cup sides and midweek contact sessions with local club and university teams. The second phase will see the team move to Nylstroom from to June 22-27, where they will collaborate with the Blue Bulls. This camp will include matches on Tuesday and Thursday against the Bulls’ Currie Cup squads.
Simbas will return to Kenya on June 27 for a brief pre-departure camp scheduled for July 1-2 before traveling to Uganda on July 3 for the highly anticipated qualifiers.
Commenting on the squad selection, Paarwater noted significant changes driven largely by player injuries.
“There are some major changes in the squad which have been brought about by injuries,” HE stated.
The coach also extended his gratitude to club coaches across the Kenya Cup, crediting their involvement in the talent identification process. “I want to deeply thank the various coaches from the Kenya Cup teams. They played a vital role in selecting players from their clubs in the past season.”
Paarwater also confirmed the inclusion of several foreign-based players in the programme, underlining the team’s commitment to blending local talent with international experience.
The technical team is optimistic that the structured build-up—spanning domestic camps and high-intensity exposure abroad—will equip the Simbas for a strong showing in Kampala as they bid for a place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Some of the main faces in the team include; Hooker Celestine Mboi of Menengai Oilers RFC,Flanker Charles Omondi of Nondescripts RFC, Flyhalf Bryan Wahinya of KCB RFC, Inside centre John Okoth of Menengai Oilers, Flyhalf Jone Kubu of Kabras Sugar RFC and Number 8 Obat Kuke of Black Blad RFC. In total, Kenya Cup four-peat winners Kabras RFC lead the roster with 18 players with KCB on 12.Five foreign based players from South Africa, France and Romania have made it to the 50 man provisional squad.
