The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has shared an exciting schedule for the Kenya Simbas, the national men’s rugby team.

“Here’s the @KenyaSimbas  schedule while in South Africa as they gear up for  #2027RWC,” they posted on X on Monday, June 2, 2025.

They will start a key tour in South Africa tomorrow, June 3, 2025.

This tour is an important part of their preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup (RWC) and the Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda. The Simbas will face tough teams to improve their skills and build momentum for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.

The first match is on 3 June in George against the SWD Eagles. The tour includes six matches against different South African teams, such as the SA U20, Sanlam Boland, and Limpopo, throughout June.

This challenging schedule aims to test the team and help them grow before big international events. According to the official schedule released by the KRU, the fixtures are as follows:

• June 3, 2025 – George: Simbas vs. SWD Eagles  
• June 9, 2025 – Stellenbosch: Simbas vs. SA U20  
• June 14, 2025 – Stellenbosch: Simbas vs. SA U20 (second match)  
• June 20, 2025 – Wellington: Simbas vs. Sanlam Boland  
• June 24, 2025 – Limpopo: Simbas vs. Limpopo  
• June 26, 2025 – Limpopo: Simbas vs. Limpopo (second match)

The KRU wants the team to be ready to compete at both African and global levels. Coach Jerome Paarwater, who knows South African rugby well, is leading the Simbas.

The Simbas have had a mixed run in recent games. In the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup, they started well, beating Senegal 36-17, with tries from Eugene Sifuna and Beldad Ogeta.

However, they lost 38-27 to Namibia in the third-place playoff on 28 July 2024, struggling with defence as Namibia’s Denzo Bruwer and Lloyd Jacobs scored key points.

The Simbas also clinched the 2024 Elgon-Victoria Cup, beating Uganda 48-30 on aggregate, with Ephraim Oduor and Andy Cole Omollo scoring tries. On 24 May 2025, they won 54-24 against the UAE in Nairobi, boosting their confidence for this tour.