The UAE rugby team has arrived in Kenya, setting the stage for a highly anticipated test match against the Kenya Simbas on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.

This match is a key part of the Simbas’ preparation for the Rugby Africa Cup 2025, which qualifies teams for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

“Touchdown… The UAE rugby team has landed. They play Simbas on Saturday, the 24th of May, in a test match,” KRU posted on their X account.

Touchdown….UAE Rugby team have landed.
They play Simbas on Saturday the 24th of May in a test match.

Grab your 🎟 on https://t.co/8zyRl6KaT8 tukutane RFUEA grounds.#SimbasvsUAE #SupportTheSimbas #ElevateYourGame #RoadToRWC2027 pic.twitter.com/w7jdQcrmYe

— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) May 23, 2025

Under coach Jerome Paarwater, the Simbas have recently called up 50 players for a training camp in Kakamega, signalling a critical phase in their preparation.

The UAE team is also using this fixture to gear up for the Asian Cup later this year. This shows the mutual importance of this encounter in the international rugby calendar.

Ranked 63rd in the World Rugby standings compared to Kenya’s 34th, the UAE sees this clash as a valuable opportunity to test their progress against a physically robust side with World Cup aspirations.

Fans can purchase tickets online, with regular seats priced at Ksh500 and VIP access at Ksh1,000. The match starts at 3:00 PM EAT, promising a day of intense rugby action.

The RFUEA Grounds, located along Ngong Road, a historic venue for Kenyan rugby, will host this pivotal game. This will reinforce its status as a central hub for the sport in the region.

Road to the Rugby World Cup

For the Simbas, this game is part of a broader strategy that includes a high-performance tour to South Africa, where they will collaborate with the Blue Bulls, further preparing for the World Cup. The arrival of the UAE team marks the beginning of an intense period of international rugby for both sides.

The South Africa tour involves two phases: one in Cape Town partnering with Western Province and another in Nylstroom with the Blue Bulls franchise, according to Kenya Rugby. 

During the tour, the Simbas will play matches against Currie Cup sides and engage in training sessions. This preparation is crucial for their upcoming Rugby Africa Cup and Rugby World Cup qualifiers in Uganda.