The Kenya Rugby Union has named a 39-man squad that is set to battle in the Rugby Africa U-20 Barthes Cup scheduled for April 22 through to 30, 2023 in Nairobi.

The squad, under the management of Curtis Olago, has confirmed the return of seven players from the team that finished third in last year’s competition in Nairobi.

These include Kenya Harlequin forward Laban Kipsang and David Mwangi, Kabras Sugar youngster Mathias Osimbo, Felix Masega Chacha of Mwamba, Stanslous Shikoli who plays for Strathmore Leos, Catholic Monks’ player George Otieno and Makaya Brian of Mean Machine.

Zephenes Obwanga and Idda Kuta were also part of the 2022 training squad. However, Mathias Osimbo picked up an injury during his side’s Kenya Cup fixture recently.

Team manager Peter Mutai commented on Osimbo's injury.

“Training has been going on well. We are however monitoring the progress of Mathias Osimbo who is nursing an injury sustained during his side’s Kenya Cup fixture a few weeks ago. We will make a decision in the coming days.”

According to Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), Chipu’s squad has been in non-residential training. The final squad will be announced closer to the tournament.

Leading the charge in Nairobi are defending champions Zimbabwe, last year’s beaten finalists, who are also the 2017 and 2018 champions Namibia, and Madagascar.

Other teams that will be competing are Uganda, Zambia, Tunisia and the Ivory Coast.

The tournament will be played on a knockout basis with over three match days.

Quarterfinals are set for April 22, semifinals will take place on April 26 and the finals will be staged on April 30.

 Chipu provisional squad

Forwards

Raymond Chacha (Strathmore Leos), Dennis Kisingu (Strathmore Leos), Makaya Brian (Mean Machine), Collins Ndambo (Daystar Falcons), George Otieno (Shamas), Mike Oduor (Daystar Falcons), Mark Lubira (USIU Martials), Jeremy Odhiambo (Catholic Monks), Gaylord Mgasi (Daystar Falcons), Ogutu Wycliffe (Daystar Falcons), Michael Jayson (Impala Saracens), John Asega (South Coast Pirates), Ahona Victor (Blak Blad), Andy Cole Omolo (Masinde Muliro), Eugene Etale (Unattached), Eugene Obat (Strathmore Leos), Nathan Tsindoli (Daystar Falcons), Laban Kipsang (Kenya Harlequin), Edmond Omondi (Masinde Muliro), Jackton Omondi (Kabras Sugar), James Asanga (Menengai Oilers), Iddo Kuta (Kenya Harlequin), Stanslaus Shikoli (Strathmore Leos), Vincent Omondi (Kenya Harlequin), William Otondi (Binghamton University, USA)

Backs

Patrick Wainaina (Kenya Harlequin), Zephenes Obwanga (Catholic Monks), David Nyanginge (Northern Suburbs), Brian Mwenda (Strathmore Leos), Collins Munyasa (Impala Saracens), Eddy Wambugu (Daystar Falcons), Mike Wamalwa (Catholic Monks), Felix Masega Chacha (Mwamba), Mathias Osimbo (Kabras Sugar), David Mwangi (Kenya Harlequin), Victor Mola (Strathmore Leos), Kerry Otieno (Mwamba), Raphael Wanga (Zetech Oaks), George Omondi (Catholic Monks)