Simbas 50-Man Squad for Camp in Kakamega Ahead of Rugby World Cup Qualifiers Unveiled

By OUR CORRESPONDENT

Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarawater has 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.

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 26th May 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 28th May to 22nd June 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 22nd to 27th June, where they will collaborate with the Blue Bulls.

The camp will include matches on Tuesday and Thursday against the Bulls’ Currie Cup squads.

The Simbas will return to Kenya on 27th June for a brief pre-departure camp scheduled for 1st and 2nd July before traveling to Uganda on 3rd July for the highly anticipated qualifiers.

Paarwater noted significant changes driven largely by player injuries. “There are some major changes in the squad which have been brought about by injuries,” Paarwater stated.

He 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 South African-led 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.

The 50 man squad that will be heading for camp in Kakamega is as follows: