World Rugby U20 Trophy: Odera Reinforces Chipu Squad Ahead Of Brazil

26th June 2019 - by Erick Ochieng

The Kenyans will be up against fellow upcoming giants Uruguay, Japan and the hosts during their stay in Sao Paolo

Chipu (in red) in a past international match at the Kenya Rugby Union Grounds along Ngong Road, Nairobi. PHOTO/ KRU

SUMMARY

Newcomers to the winning side that triumphed over Namibia in April are Andrew Siminyu, Timothy Okwemba and John Okoth who all missed the 2019 Barthes Cup competition
The eventual winner of the tournament will earned themselves a promotion to the 2020 World Rugby U20 Championship
Kenya lifted the Africa U20 Trophy in April at the KCB Sports Club after beating defending champions Namibia 21-18

NAIROBI, Kenya- Head coach Paul Odera has made three changes to the national U20 rugby team, Chipu, who will represent Kenya at the forthcoming World Rugby U20 Trophy Championship on July 4 in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

Newcomers to the winning side that triumphed over Namibia in April are Andrew Siminyu,Timothy Okwemba and John Okoth who all missed the 2019 Barthes Cup competition.

“The trio will cover the depth left by injured Beldad Ogeta and George Maranga who will not travel due to academic commitments,” Odera highlighted.

Chipu will be up against fellow upcoming giants Uruguay, Japan and hosts Brazil during their stay in Sao Paolo.

“Uruguay have been in this tournament for about seven consecutive years, Japan on paper seem to be the strongest team having been relegated from the U20 Championships.

“We have had video analysis sessions of this level of rugby which our current team has not been exposed to and we are trying to work on the loopholes.

“The pace played by the teams in our pool is going to test us but we’re confident in our defense which is what got us through Namibia,” Odera highlighted.

The eventual winner of the tournament will earned themselves a promotion to the 2020 World Rugby U20 Championship.

Kenya lifted the Africa U20 Trophy in April at the KCB Sports Club after beating defending champions Namibia 21-18.

This is the second time that the country will be featuring in this specific tournament, the first one being in 2009 when it was hosted at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.

Chipu faces Uruguay at 11:00pm EAT on July 9 at the Martins Pereira Stadium, then hosts Brazil on July 14 at 1:00am before wrapping up their pool matches on July 17 at 11:00pm EAT against Japan.

Chipu Squad to Brazil: Ian Njenga(Nondescripts RFC), Bonface Ochieng(Kenya Harlequins)- Captain, Rotuk Rahedi(Millfield School), Emanuel Silungi(Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Hibrahim Ayoo(Menengai Oilers), James Mcgreevy(Kenya Harlequins), Brian Amaitsa(Nondies), Sheldon Kahi(Blakblad RC) Samuel Asati(KCB RC)-VC, Dominic Coulson(Unattached)-VC, Timothy Okwemba(MMUST), Owain Ashley(Merchiston Castle School), John Okoth(Top Fry Nakuru), Geoffrey Okwach(KCB RC), Jeff Mutuku(Kenya Harlequins), Wilfred Waswa(Northern Suburbs), Collins Obure(Blakblad RFC), Ian Masheti(Resolution Impala Saracens), Frank Aduda(Resolution Impala Saracens), George Kyriazi(Merchiston Castle School), Samuel Were(LaiserHill Academy), Barry Robinson(Kabras Sugar RFC), Douglas Kahuri(Kenya Harlequins), Michele Brighetti(Sedbergh School), Andrew Matoka(Strathmore Leos), Andrew Siminyu(Hillcrest School SA).

Technical Team: Paul Odera (Head Coach), Jimmy Mnene(Team Manager), Michael Owino(Strength and Conditioning Coach), Michael Aung(Forwards Coach), Kenny Andola(Backs Coach), Stephen Mankone(Team Physiotherapist), James Ondiege(Team Doctor), Edwin Boit(Team Analyst) Mweti Muriithi(Logistics and Operations Assistant)