The Kenya U20 Rugby 15s team is set to face Uruguay in their opening match of the World Rugby U20 Trophy in Scotland on July 2, 2024. This eagerly anticipated match marks the second encounter between the two sides, with their first meeting in 2019 ending in a hard-fought contest.
Head coach Simon Jawichre has meticulously prepared his squad since their arrival in Scotland. The team reached St Andrews late on the afternoon of June 28th. The following day, the players engaged in a gym session in the morning and a pitch session in the afternoon. Sunday was particularly intensive, beginning with a gym session, followed by a morning pitch practice, an afternoon video analysis session, and concluding with another pitch practice. Today, the team is heading to Captain’s Run before the big game.
Coach Jawichre’s selection for the match day 23 has been strategically based on a thorough analysis of the Uruguayan team. “We’ve chosen our squad mainly based on our analysis of Uruguay, focusing on their high attack tempo and strong defensive mindset,” said Jawichre. This keen insight into their opponents’ style of play reflects the serious approach the Kenyan team is taking for this critical match.
The squad is as follows:
1. Darrell Oluoch
2. Bramwel Anekea
3. Wycliffe Ogutu
4. Eugine Etale
5. Clein Okumbi
6. Edmond Omondi
7. Andycole Omolo
8. Iddo Kuta
9. Patrick Wainaina
10. Jackson Siketa
11. Brian Kiptanui
12. Philip Okeyo
13. Michael Wamalwa
14. Kipchirchir Bett
15. James Olela
16. Brian Shile
17. Geylord Ngasi
18. Ian Nyandusi
19. Nathan Tsindoli
20. Eddy Otieno
21. Willy Tino
22. Benadict Muiruri
23. Faran Juma
The upcoming game against Uruguay is seen as a monumental event for the Kenya U20 team. “This, for now, is the biggest match of our lives,” remarked Jawichre. “The game can go either way according to us, and we are giving it the seriousness it deserves
