Kenya Simbas tactician Paul Odera has announced his 38-man training squad that will start preparations for the Rugby World Cup 2023 final qualification tournament set for Dubai from 6th to 18th November 2022.

The squad which begins its sessions this Friday has Homeboyz youngster Amon Wamalwa and KCB’s speedster Geoffrey Okwach. Its Wamalwa’s first appearance in the senior 15s set up while Okwach returns after missing out early this year.

Currie Cup squad

Odera has retained the nucleus of the group that competed in the Currie Cup First Division tournament in South Africa and the Rugby Africa Cup in Marseille, France in July of this year.

Winger Derrick Ashihundu and prop Ian Njenga however miss out as they recovering from long-term injuries.

The Simbas were eliminated from direct qualification to the Rugby World Cup in France in 2023 after finishing runners-up to Namibia in the Rugby Africa Cup final, which they lost 36-0.

They will compete for qualification to the global event against the United States, Portugal, and Hong Kong.

Simbas  Training Squad: Final RWC 2023 Qualification Tournament

FORWARDS

Edward Mwaura (Menengai Oilers), Melvin Thairu (Kenya Harlequin), Andrew Siminyu (University of Johanesburg),  Eugene Sifuna (Kabras Sugar), Teddy Akala (Kabras Sugar), Brian Waraba (Kenya Harlequin), Patrick Ouko (KCB), Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar), Joseph Odero (Kabras Sugar), Davis Chenge (KCB),Malcolm Onsando (CS Dinamo Bucaresti, Romania),Thomas Okeyo (University of Joahnesburg), Brian Juma (Kabras Sugar), Shem Joseph (Kabras Sugar), George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar), Bethuel Anami (Strathmore Leos), Daniel Sikuta (Kabras Sugar), Martin Owilah (KCB), Clinton Odhiambo (Menengai Oilers), Brian Ndirangu (Menengai Oilers)

BACKS

Samuel Asati (KCB), Brian Wahinya (KCB), Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar), Jone Kubu (Kabras Sugar), Beldad Ogeta (Menengai Oilers), John Okoth (Menengai Oilers), Timothy Okwemba (Menengai Oilers), Collins Injera (Mwamba), Vincent Onyala (KCB), Bryceson Adaka (Kabras Sugar), Peter Kilonzo (KCB), Jacob Ojee (KCB), Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Geoffrey Ominde (Menengai Oilers), Amon Wamalwa (Homeboyz), Geoffrey Okwach (KCB), Andrew Matoka (Principia College, USA), Dominic Coulson (University of Exeter, England)