Rugby U20 World Cup: Chipu’s 23-man squad to take on Uruguay

The Kenya U20 Rugby 15s team are set to take on Uruguay in their opening match of the World Rugby U20 Trophy in Scotland on 2 July 2024. The highly anticipated match will mark the second meeting between the two teams, with their first meeting in 2019 ending in a hard-fought contest.

Head coach Simon Jawichre has been meticulously preparing his squad since their arrival in Scotland, with the team arriving at St Andrews late on the afternoon of 28th June.

The next day, the players participated in a gym class in the morning and a pitch training in the afternoon.

Sunday was particularly intense, starting with a gym session, followed by a morning pitch training, an afternoon video analysis session and finishing with another pitch training. Today the team heads to Captain’s Run for the big game.

Coach Jawichre’s selection for Matchday 23 is strategically based on a thorough analysis of the Uruguayan team. “We have chosen our selection mainly based on our analysis of Uruguay, focusing on their high attacking tempo and strong defensive mindset,” Jawichre said. This keen insight into the playing style of their opponents reflects the serious approach the Kenyan team is taking for this crucial match.

The selection is as follows:
1. Darrell Oluoch
2. Bramwel Anekea
3. Wycliffe Ogutu
4. Eugine Etale
5. Small Okumbi
6. Edmond Omondi
7. Andycole Omolo
8. I do Kuta
9. Patrick Wainaina
10. Jackson Siketa
11. Brian Kiptanui
12. Philip Okeyo
13. Michael Wamalwa
14. Kipchirchir bed
15.James Olela
16. Brian Shile
17. Geylord Ngasi
18. Ian Nyandusi
19. Nathan Tsindoli
20. Eddy Otieno
21. Willy Tino
22. Benedict Muiruri
23. Faran Juma

The upcoming match against Uruguay is seen as a monumental event for the Kenya U20 team. “This is the biggest match of our lives for now,” Jawichre noted. “We think the match can go either way and we are giving it the seriousness it deserves.

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