KRU: World U20 Trophy beginning of Kenyan rugby turnaround
By Collins Amanga, June 27, 2023Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairman, Alex Mutai, has revealed ambitious plans for the development of rugby in the country ahead of the upcoming World U20 Trophy in Nairobi.
During the launch of the tournament at Nairobi National Park, Mutai emphasized the Union’s commitment to returning Kenya to its winning ways.
KRU confidence
Mutai expressed confidence in the Kenya U20 team, stating that their participation in the tournament marks the beginning of a turnaround for rugby in the country.
He expressed the Union’s ambition and belief that the young players will perform exceptionally well in the competition.
“We want to get things up. We want to turn back to our winning ways. With under 20, we have confidence in the future of rugby and this tournament is just the beginning. We are ambitious and have no doubts that our boys will do well in the tournament,” said Mutai during the tournament’s Media Launch at the Nairobi National Park.
KRU Plans for youngsters
The KRU Chairman also outlined plans to promote rugby in primary schools and provide opportunities for young talents to participate in international sporting events.
“We are focused on spreading rugby to primary schools and exposing our talented youngsters to international competitions,” Mutai added.
Kenya U20 opener
The World Rugby U20 Trophy tournament is set to kick off on July 15 at the Nyayo National Stadium, and Kenya U20 day one opponent have been confirmed with thrilling fixtures lined up across all matchdays.
The tournament will consist of 16 matches played over a span of 15 days. The group stage will feature three match days, with each team playing three matches within their respective pools.
In the first match of the day, Scotland will go head-to-head with African Champions Zimbabwe at 10:00 am.
The second match of the day will see Samoa will face off against Kenya in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. The home team, Kenya, will enter the field hoping to make a resounding statement against a formidable Samoan side.
The afternoon session will feature Uruguay taking on the USA, and Spain squaring off against Hong Kong China.
Looking ahead, the tournament promises even more excitement as the matches progress. Match Day 2, scheduled for Thursday, July 20, will witness Samoa taking on Hong Kong China, Uruguay clashing with Zimbabwe, Scotland facing the USA, and Spain challenging Kenya.
Match Day 3, set for Tuesday, July 25, will feature thrilling encounters between the USA and Zimbabwe, Kenya and Hong Kong China, Spain and Samoa, and Scotland and Uruguay.
The pinnacle of the tournament, Match Day 4 on Sunday, July 30, will see the top teams from Group A and Group B battle it out for the ultimate prize.
The tournament winners will earn a promotion to the U20 Championship, replacing the team that finishes at the bottom of the competition, which will then drop down to the U20 Trophy in 2024.
World Rugby U20 Trophy, Nyayo National Stadium
Match Day 1 | Saturday 15 July 2023
Scotland v Zimbabwe | 10.00am
Samoa v Kenya | 12.00pm
Uruguay v USA | 2.00pm
Spain v Hong Kong China | 4.00pm
Match Day 2 | Thursday 20 July 2023
Samoa v Hong Kong China | 10.00am
Uruguay v Zimbabwe | 12.00pm
Scotland v USA | 2.00pm
Spain v Kenya | 4.00pm
Match Day 3 | Tuesday 25 July 2023
USA v Zimbabwe | 10.00am
Kenya v Hong Kong China | 12.00pm
Spain v Samoa | 2.00pm
Scotland v Uruguay | 4.00pm
Match Day 4 | Sunday 30 July 2023
Group A 4th v Group B 4th | 10.00am
Group A 3rd v Group B 3rd | 12.00pm
Group A 2nd v Group B 2nd | 2.00pm
Group A 1st v Group B 1st | 4.00pm