Kenya U20 squad to kick off World Trophy challenge against Uruguay
Kenya U20 head coach Simon Jawichre has confirmed the 23-man lineup to face Uruguay in their opening match of the World Rugby U20 Trophy 2024 slated for Scotland from July 2 to 17 2024.
The competition will take place over four match days at Edinburgh's Hive Stadium, with eight sides competing for advancement to the World Rugby U20 Championship 2025.
Only one change has been effected to the squad that played Zimbabwe in the final game of the Barthes Cup in Harare.
The change sees Edmond Omondi replace Willy Tino at blindside flank where he will partner Andycole Omolo who takes charge of open-side flank duties while Iddo Kuta takes duty at the anchor of the scrum.
Philip Okeyo and Michael Wamalwa will form the midfield partnership, supplied by the half-back pairing of Patrick Wainaina and Jackson Siketa who start at nine and ten respectively.
Brian Kiptanui and Kipchirchir Bett will start at blind and open wing respectively while James Olela takes full back duties.
Kenya U20 pool
Kenya U20 who are placed in Pool B alongside the USA, Uruguay, and the Netherlands will be looking for better results after they had to settle for fifth place in 2023 playing in Nairobi. The tournament was won by Spain. 
Chipu, will face Uruguay in the opener on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 4:30 pm. Chipu's second match is scheduled for Sunday, July 7, at 9:45 pm against the Netherlands. Kenya will wrap up their group stage clashes against the USA on Friday, July 12, 2024.
Jawichre has pinned his selection to Uruguay’s style of play, admitting caution ahead of the tie which he says can go either way.
“We’ve chosen our squad mainly based on our analysis of Uruguay, focusing on their high attack tempo and strong defensive mindset,”
“This, for now, is the biggest match of our lives, the game can go either way according to us, and we are giving it the seriousness it deserves,” said Jawichre.
Kenya U20 squad to face Uruguay
1. Darrell Oluoch 2. Bramwel Anekea 3. Wycliffe Ogutu 4. Eugine Etale 5. Clein Okumbi 6. Edmond Omondi 7. Andycole Omolo 8. Iddo Kuta 9. Patrick Wainaina 10. Jackson Siketa 11. Brian Kiptanui 12. Philip Okeyo 13. Michael Wamalwa 14. Kipchirchir Bett 15. James Olela
Replacements
16. Brian Shile 17. Geylord Ngasi 18. Ian Nyandusi 19. Nathan Tsindoli 20. Eddy Otieno 21. Willy Tino 22. Benadict Muiruri23. Faran Juma
For these and more credible stories, join our revamped Telegram and WhatsApp channels.
Telegram: https://t.me/peopledailydigital
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va698juDOQIToHyu1p
