Ayange explains significance of World U20 Trophy to Kenya U20 players
By Collins Amanga, June 15, 2023Former Kenya 7s and Simbas star Felix Ayange expresses his belief in the significance of the upcoming World U20 Trophy tournament for the members of the Kenya U20 squad.
Drawing from his experience as part of the Kenya U20 squad in 2009 when Kenya last hosted the tournament and finished fourth, Ayange emphasizes that participating in the competition will provide valuable opportunities for the young players.
Ayange advice to Kenya U20
Ayange, who previously played as a winger for Kabras, emphasizes the importance of the tournament as a stepping stone for players to progress to senior teams such as Shujaa (Kenya 7s) and Simbas (Kenya 15s).
He also believes that the tournament can potentially open doors for players to secure contracts with foreign-based clubs.
Expressing his well wishes to the U20 squad, Ayange acknowledged the honour of hosting such a prestigious tournament and terming it as significant in shaping the players’ careers.
“First I wish them all the best. It is quite an honour to host such a tournament. It is a huge tournament and it will form the basis of their careers. Some will go to Kenya 7s, others to Kenya 15s while some will get a chance to go overseas,” Ayange told KRU Media.
While he acknowledges the tough competition they will face, Ayange is confident that the young players will make the country proud.
The World Junior Trophy, set to take place at Nyayo, will feature teams from different regions. USA recently secured their spot, joining Pool A alongside Scotland, Uruguay, and Zimbabwe.
In Pool B, Hong Kong, Kenya, Samoa, and Spain will compete for a place in the final stage of the tournament.
Zimbabwe claimed the African slot after a dominant 60-6 victory against Tunisia in the semi-finals of the Rugby Africa Barthes U20 Trophy.
They later defeated Kenya 28-7 at Nyayo National Stadium, securing their place in the World Rugby U20 Trophy.
Scotland’s participation in the World U20 Trophy follows their relegation from the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2019.
Spain secured their spot through regional qualifiers, while Samoa emerged victorious in the Oceania Rugby U20 Trophy. Uruguay qualified from South America, and Hong Kong China claimed their spot as winners of the Asia Rugby U19 Championship.
The tournament will consist of 16 matches played over a span of 15 days. The group stage will feature three match days, with each team playing three matches within their respective pools.
The final and ranking matches will be held on the last day of the tournament to determine the overall winner and final rankings.
The tournament winner will earn a promotion to the World U20 Championship in 2024, which will be held in the southern hemisphere.
World U20 Trophy Pools
Pool A: Scotland, Uruguay, USA and Zimbabwe
Pool B: Hong Kong, Kenya, Samoa, and Spain
World Rugby U20 Trophy Match Schedule:
Match Day 1 – Saturday, 15 July:
Match Day 2 – Thursday, 20 July:
Match Day 3 – Tuesday, 25 July:
Final and Ranking Matches – Sunday, 30 July:
- 7th Place Match: Fourth-placed team from Pool A vs Fourth-placed team from Pool B
- 5th Place Match: Third-placed team from Pool A vs Third-placed team from Pool B
- 3rd Place Match: Second-placed team from Pool A vs Second-placed team from Pool B
- Final: First-placed team from Pool A vs First-placed team from Pool B