Simbas head coach Ian Snook has named a 30-man squad for next month’s Repechage tournament in France.
Making a return to the side is former skipper Wilson Kopondo who last featured for the national 15s side in the Regal Hotels Cup of Nations at Kings Park Sports Ground, Hong Kong in 2017.
The Simbas will be battling for a spot in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Snook has also drafted four Kenya Sevens regulars into the team namely, Collins Injera, Nelson Oyoo, Samuel Oliech who makes a return to the Simbas since 2015 together with Andrew Amonde.
A new addition to the traveling party is Kenya Harlequin’s William Reeve who caught the Head Coach’s eye during the Sevens Circuit and the Impala Floodlit Tournament.
Kenya kicks off the Repechage campaign against Canada on the 11th of November at 6:30pm EAT before playing Hong Kong on 17th November at 4:00pm EAT. Their last match will be against Germany on the 23rd at 8:00pm EAT.
Sunday 11th will be the first time Kenya plays Canada; last year Simbas played Germany at home and lost 29-30 in the 79th minute at the RFUEA Grounds before meeting Hong Kong in August at the same venue and later in November in Hong Kong during the four Nations.
The team departs on 31st October for a friendly with Romania on the 3rd of November before heading to Marseille, France, three days later for the Repechage.
Read: National Rugby Sevens Circuit Set To Return Next Week
Simbas Squad to The Repechage
Forwards: Patrick Ouko (Menengai Cream Homeboyz RFC), Moses Amusala(KCB), Joseph Odero (Kabras Sugar RFC), Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras Sugar RFC), Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar RFC), Colman Were (Kabras Sugar RFC), Philip Ikambili (Menengai Cream Homeboyz RFC), Oliver Mangeni (KCB), Wilson Kopondo (Kenya Harlequins), Malcolm Onsando (Kenya Harlequins), Simon Muniafu (Resolution Impala Saracens), Andrew Omonde (KCB), George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar RFC), Dalmus Chituyi (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Elkeans Musonye (Strathmore Leos), Joshua Chisanga (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Davis Chenge (KCB), Martin Owilah (KCB)
Backs: Samson Onsomu (Resolution Impala Saracens), Mohammed Omollo (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Sammy Oliech (Resolution Impala Saracens), Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Leo Seje Owade (Resolution Impala Saracens), Peter Kilonzo (KCB), Collins Injera (Stanbic Mwamba), Nelson Oyoo (Top Fry Nakuru RFC), Felix Ayange (Kabras Sugar RFC), William Ambaka (Kenya Harlequins), Tony Onyango (Menengai Cream Homeboyz), William Reeve (Kenya Harlequins)
Team Management: Ian Snook (Head Coach), Murray Roulston (Coach), Wangila Simiyu (Team Manager), Christopher Makachia (Team Physiotherapist), Charles Ngovi (Assistant Coach), Dominique Habimana (Assistant Coach), James Ondiege (Team Doctor) Edwin Boit (Team Analyst)
Simbas Fixtures in France (EAT)
Sunday 11th November vs Canada – 6:30pm
Saturday 17th November vs Hong Kong – 4:00pm
Friday 23rd November vs Germany – 8:00pm
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