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Fourteen players have earned maiden call-ups as the Kenya Rugby Union confirms the Simbas squad for 2024.

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 have earned their maiden call ups to the team. The majority of the fourteen were active during the just concluded Rugby Super Series.

“Former Kenya Sevens international Johnstone Olindi, now playing his club rugby in Canada also gets a call-up to the squad.

“The foreign-based trio of Andrew Siminyu, Malcolm Onsando,Thomas Okeyo as well as Edward Mwaura, Clinton Juma, Samson Onsomu, Beldad Ogeta and Emmanuel Silungi who were also in action during the Rugby Super Series return to the squad after missing out on last year’s internationals. Timothy Okwemba, last capped in 2019 also makes a return,” the federation confirmed.

Meanwhile, John Okoth, Vincent Onyala, Brian Tanga, Samuel Asati and Lamech Ambetsa are away with Shujaa who are preparing to compete at the Olympic Games while Jone Kubu is recovering from an ankle injury following successful surgery.

The Simbas are expected to start their 2024 season with the Rugby Africa Cup, which will run between July 20-28 in Kampala, Uganda.

Simbas squad

Loosehead 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)

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

Outside centres: 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)