Tunisia and Morocco face off on February 9 with the winning team clinching the last spot for the Rugby Africa Cup tournament set for Kampala, Uganda in June.

Some of the teams that have already booked a place for the competition that shall also act as a qualifier for the next World Cup in Australia are Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Senegal, and Ivory Coast.

Kenya will be competing in the Rugby Africa Cup where the winners and runners up have a chance of booking a ticket to Australia. The runner up shall play in a pre-repechage playoff match against Asia.

In 2022, Kenya reached the Africa Cup final but lost to Namibia. Last year, Kenya finished fourth, beaten by Algeria in the playoff, a tournament they would like to forget. The Rugby World Cup has been expanded to 24 teams from 20.

Residential camp

Kenya’s preparations started in earnest with a four-day residential camp in Kakamega on January 26 for the 47 players who were called up. 

In the meantime, Paul Odera, has been appointed as the new Kenya Rugby Union Director of Rugby. He was previously head coach of the national 15’s team, Junior side, Chipu and played for the national 7’s and 15’s teams. 

Odera takes over from Thomas Odundo who was promoted to be the KRU CEO. In a press statement, Odera, who is also a World Rugby Mentor and Educator  admitted this was a huge responsibility.

Players called up 

Melvin Thairu (SCM Rugby, Tisisoara), Edward Mwaura, Eugene Sifuna, Teddy Akala, Ephraim Oduor, Emmanuel Otieno, Hillary Odhiambo, George Nyambua, Collins Indeche, Jeanson Misoga, Barry Young, Jone Kubu, Griffin Chao, Alfred Orege, Derrick Shiundu, Alfred Orege, Walter Okoth, Bryceson Adaka, (Kabras Sugar), Ian Njenga, Cornelius Mokoro (CSA, Steaua), Andrew Simiyu (University of Johannesburg), Celestine Mboi, Boisterous Otieno, Hibrahim Ayoo, Ahmos Obae, Elkeans Musonye, Clinton Odhiambo, Samson Onsomu, Beldad Ogeta, Abdultwalib Wesonga, Timothy Omela (Menengai Oilers), Khaidar Mohamed, Sheldon Kahi, Wiseman Aganya (Kenya Harlequin FC), Griffin Musila, Wilhite Mususi, Erick Miheso, Andycolle Omollo,  Emmanuel Silungi, Emmanuel Opondo, Brian Wahinya , Tyson Maina (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC), Hillary Baraza, Charles Omondi, Charles Odhiambo (Nondescripts RUFC), Obat Kuke (Kenyatta University Blak Blad).