After the conclusion of the Rugby Super Series last weekend, the Kenya Rugby Union has announced the Simbas squad for the 2024 season.

The squad includes 14 debutants picked from the just concluded Super Series. Kenya cup champions take the largest share with 13 players, followed by Oilers who contributed 9 players.

KCB, whose dominance in the national side has taken a hit in the recent past have six of their best included while both Nakuru and Quins contributed two apiece. Impala’s Quinto Ongo makes it to the squad as their sole representative while Joel Inzuga will be the only player representing Mwamba.

Simbas include foreign based players

Three foreign based players; Andrew Siminyu (University of Johannesburg, South Africa) Malcolm Onsando ( SCM Rugby Timisoara, Romania) and Johnstone Olindi (Westshore RFC, Canada) are included in the squad.

The debutants include Francis Atiti, Felix Ojow, Amos Obae, Felix Okoth, William Mwanji, Griffin Chao, Obat Kuke, Tyson Maina, Richel Wangila, Matthias Osimbo, Dennis Abukuse, Abutwalib Wesonga and Quinto Ongo.

Away with Kenya 7s and expected to join the squad after the Olympics are John Okoth, Vincent Onyala, Brian Tanga, Samuel Asati and Lamech Ambetsa.

Kubu misses out

Kabras dangerman Jone Kubu misses the squad recovering from an ankle injury.

Simbas will start their Rugby Africa Cup campaign with a quarterfinal clash against Senegal at the Mandela National Stadium in Nambole, Kampala, Uganda on Saturday 20 July 2024.

The winner of this match will play in the semifinals against the winner of the Algeria – Ivory Coast quarterfinal on Wednesday 24 July.

SIMBAS 2024 SQUAD

Loose head props:  Francis Atiti (Menengai Oilers), Edward Mwaura (Kabras Sugar), Andrew Siminyu (University of Johannesburg, South Africa)

Hookers: Eugene Sifuna (Kabras Sugar), Teddy Akala (Kabras Sugar), Griffin Musila (KCB)

Tight head props: Wilhite Mususi (KCB), Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar), Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras Sugar)

Locks: Brian Juma (Kabras Sugar), Hibrahim Ayoo (Menengai Oilers), Felix Okoth (Nakuru), Clinton Juma (Menengai Oilers), Hillary Odhiambo (Kabras Sugar), Malcolm Onsando ( SCM Rugby Timisoara, Romania), Emmanuel Silungi (KCB)

Blindside flankers: George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar), Felix Ojow (KCB), Amos Obae (Nakuru)

Openside flankers: Brian Ndirangu (Westshore RFC, Canada), Thomas Okeyo (NovaVit Griffons, South Africa), Elvis Olukusi (KCB), William Mwanji (Kabras Sugar)

Number eights: Jeanson Musoga (Kabras Sugar), Elkeans Musonye (Menengai Oilers), Obat Kuke (Blak Blad)

Scrum halves: Michael Wanjala (KCB), Samson Onsomu (Menengai Oilers), Brian Wahinya (KCB)

Fly halves: Ntabeni Dukisa (Kabras Sugar), Barry Young (Kabras Sugar), Johnstone Olindi (Westshore RFC, Canada)

Left wing: Beldad Ogeta (Menengai Oilers), Griffin Chao (Kabras Sugar), Derrick Ashiundu (Kabras Sugar)

Inside centers: Walter Okoth (Kabras Sugar), Tyson Maina (Menengai Oilers), Paul Mutsami (Kenya Harlequin)

Outside centers: Richel Wangila (Kenya Harlequin), Bryceson Adaka (Kabras Sugar), Mathias Osimbo (Kabras Sugar), Dennis Abukuse (Menengai Oilers)

Right wing: Joel Inzuga (Mwamba), Timothy Omela (Menengai Oilers), Alfred Orege (Kabras Sugar)

Fullbacks: Abutwalib Wesonga (Menengai Oilers), Quinto Ongo (Impala)