The lone figure of Chipu winger Abdul Zubeir Onyango that was captured on camera as he collected empty water bottles on a section of the Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, Kampala demonstrated Kenya’s work ethic in the final against Namibia.

Without being prompted, the young player took it upon himself to collect the plastic bottles that littered a part of the match venue as his colleagues celebrated the win. His act was reminiscent of Japanese rugby players and fans who have made it a habit to collect and dispose of trash from their part of each venue after every match.

The Kenya under-20 rugby team Chipu dethroned Namibia as the Rugby Africa Barthes Trophy U20 champions winning 33-14 at the Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, Kampala. This was the fourth time Chipu (short for Chipukizi) had won the competition in the newly introduced Performance Division. 

Try Scorers

Try scorers for Chipu in the final were Michael Olukusi, Lugonzo, Jackson Siketi, Rayvon Ambale, and Randy Otuoma. Ambale kicked over two conversions 

Chipu who trained for barely two weeks first won the trophy in 2024 by beating Zimbabwe 28-13 and retained the title in 2025 with a repeat 21-20 win over Zimbabwe. They were  35-23 winners over Zimbabwe who at one time beat them 64-10.

At the start of the competition in Kampala, Kenya again defeated Zimbabwe 35-23 to set up a date with Namibia in the final. Try scorers for Chipu in this match were Brian Kiptanui, Rayvon Ambale, Mike Lukusi, Jibril Joseph and Dennis Ndayala. Faran Juma added two penalties and one conversion while Ambale converted one try.

Finished Third

Namibia had edged out Tunisia 11-6 in the opening match. They trailed 0-6 at half time. Zimbabwe finished third by overcoming Tunisia 38-12 after the two teams tied 12-12 at half time.

The winning Chipu team had: Daudi Jabita, Jibril Joseph, Innocent Indeche, Thomas Odimabo, Joshua Monoo, John Ombango, Maxwell Kipsand, Justine Ng’ombe (captain), Michael Olukusi, Jackson Siketi, Abdul Zubeir, Rayvon Ambale, Dennis Ndayala, Brian Kiptanui, Faran Juma, Monda Tsuyoshi, Jacktone Omanje, Chelsea Otieno, Randy Otuoma, Aldrine Andanje, Matrix Matangi, Loren Nyamolo, Ezekiel Apida. Officials: Simon Jawichre (head coach), Carlos Katywa (forwards coach), Motto Williams (strength and conditioning), Samuel Ochieng (physyotherapist), Philip WAmae (team manager), Wacera Githua (assistant team manager)

Day 1 results

Performance Division

Namibia 11 Tunisia 6 (HT 0-6)

Kenya 35 Zimbabwe 23 (HT 23-6)

First Division 

Zambia 0 Uganda 81

Day Two,  August 11, 2026

First Division

Uganda 27 Zambia 12 (HT 15-5)

Performance Division

Tunisia 12 Zimbabwe 38 (HT 12-12)

Namibia 14  Kenya 33 (HT 0-14)