President William Ruto has led the nation in celebrating the Kenya Under-20 national rugby team, Chipu, following their emphatic triumph at the 2026 Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy.Chipu were crowned African champions after a commanding 33-14 victory over defending champions Namibia in the final at Wankulukuku Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, reclaiming the title they surrendered in 2025, and securing a record fourth Barthés Trophy.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsCongratulating the team in a message shared after the victory, President Ruto hailed the youngsters for raising the standards of Kenyan rugby and proving the country's potential on the continental stage.Chipu reclaim Barthés U20 Trophy with emphatic win over Namibia"We celebrate the Kenya Under-20 national rugby team, Chipu, for bringing home the 2026 Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy after a commanding 33-14 victory over Namibia in Kampala, Uganda.By securing a record fourth Barthés Trophy, the team has raised the bar for Kenyan rugby and shown what our young talent can achieve on the continental stage,” he wrote.The President also pledged government support to the team as they prepare for the global stage."The focus now turns to the World Rugby Junior Trophy. We will stand with you and support you as you prepare to represent Kenya on the world stage. Hongera Chipu,” he added.The victory marked Kenya's return to the summit of African age-grade rugby after Namibia denied them the title last year.##NAJAVA_MECA_9889852##The 2026 edition of the tournament was played under a revamped format, featuring Kenya, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Tunisia in the Performance Division.In the final, Namibia started brightly and repeatedly tested Kenya's defence, but Chipu remained composed, absorbing the pressure while waiting for their opportunities.Despite several promising attacks inside Namibia's 22, handling errors initially prevented Kenya from capitalising before scrum-half Michael Lukusi finally broke the deadlock with the opening try.Kenya Sevens star Dennis Abukuse joins Canadian sideJackson Siketi added a second try soon after, with both efforts successfully converted, handing Kenya a deserved 14-0 lead at halftime.Namibia responded strongly after the break, reducing the deficit to 14-7 with a converted try six minutes into the second half.However, Chipu quickly regained control.Siketi grabbed his second try after a well-worked move involving Faran Juma and Lukusi, before Juma once again turned provider by setting up Rayvon Ambale for another score.Ambale, who enjoyed an influential second half, converted before later scoring a try of his own and adding the extras to extend Kenya's advantage.##NAJAVA_MECA_9889866##The final flourish came when Siketi sliced through the Namibian defence from a lineout before releasing Randy Otuoma to score, with Ambale converting to complete an emphatic 33-14 victory.Beyond reclaiming continental bragging rights, the triumph represents another significant milestone for Kenya's player development pathway.The Barthés Trophy has traditionally served as Africa's premier Under-20 competition and a gateway to higher levels of international rugby.Blak Blad secure sponsorship weeks after Mozzart Sport highlighted their plightAlthough World Rugby has since revamped the global age-grade pathway by replacing the former World Rugby U20 Trophy with the cross-regional U20 Challenger Cup, Kenya's continental success still earns the young side an opportunity to test themselves against stronger international opposition as they continue their development.With President Ruto already assuring Chipu of the government's backing ahead of their next assignment, attention could now shift beyond the rugby field.In recent years, it has become an emerging tradition for President Ruto to host Kenyan athletes and national teams at State House after landmark achievements on the international stage. From world champions to continental title winners, several sporting heroes have been recognized for flying the Kenyan flag high.Strathmore Leos thrown into mourning following death of playerHaving now reclaimed the Barthés Trophy and delivered a record fourth continental title, will Chipu become the latest team to receive a State House invitation? After the President's public show of support, many rugby fans will be watching to see whether Kenya's newest African champions are also honored with a presidential reception.The side landed back on Wednesday, 12 August.
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