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Head Coach Curtis Olago has named a 37-man training squad as the Kenya U20 national team, Chipu, prepares for its Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy title defence in Nairobi next month.  The squad includes several returning players from last year’s squad including John Baraka, Cornelius Mokoro, Tyson Juma Maina, Anderson Oduor and Wilhite Mususi. 

Strathmore Leos quartet Anthony Dimba, Stanislaus Shikholi, Joseph Ayiro, Raymond Chacha, Sigalagala’s Mathias Osimbo, MMUST’s Paywick Munoko, Eldoret’s Laban Kipsang, Daystar’s quartet Augustine Owino, Meshack Ochieng, Randy Odhiambo, Emmanuel Opondo makes to the list. Others players named include Quins half back Lucky Ishimwe, Kenya Cup finalists Tony Oketch, Roy Mulievi, Persian Kolian and Tyson Maina all from Menengai Oilers. 

The event has attracted eight teams namely Uganda, Senegal, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Ivory Coast, Namibia, Zambia and Kenya up from only three sides in last year. 

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairman Oduor Gangla announced that the 2022 Barthes U20 Trophy will be held in Nairobi from April 9 to 17 during the official launch of the Rugby Africa 2022 competition calendar in Kampala, Uganda. 

“This is a major step forward for U20 rugby in Africa and as the Kenya Rugby Union, we are honored and humbled to have the opportunity to host this event. It is the first time we are hosting a unified competition for this age group,” Gangla said. 

“Preparations are going on and we are looking forward to a very competitive event where the young players come out and showcase their talent and ability.”  Kenya are the current champions, having first won it in 2019 with a 21-18 win over Namibia at the KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka, Nairobi before defeating Madagascar 21-20 in last year’s decider at the Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi. 

The Barthes U20 Trophy is the Rugby Africa U20 championship.

 Teams compete on an annual basis and the winners of the competition earn the right to represent the continent at the World Rugby Junior Trophy.