The Kenya Under-20 national rugby team, Chipu, will begin their quest to reclaim the Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy when they face Zimbabwe in the opening match of the 2026 tournament on Friday, August 7, at Wankulukuku Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.The clash marks the opening semi-final in the newly introduced Performance Division, with the winner advancing to the final to face either defending champions Namibia or Tunisia.##NAJAVA_MECA_9883243##Kenya heads into the tournament determined to reclaim the title after finishing runners-up to Namibia in the 2025 edition in Harare. Chipu won their third Barthés Trophy crown in 2024, ending Zimbabwe’s two-year dominance after lifting the trophy on Zimbabwean soil.Head coach Simon Jawichre has retained several members of last year’s squad, including Jackson Siketi, Michael Olukusi, Rayvon Ambale and Faran Juma, hoping their experience at both club level and the National Sevens Circuit will inspire another title challenge.“They played last year in Zimbabwe and have been active for their club sides in the 15s and the ongoing Sevens circuit. A good number of our forwards are also returning and that experience will be key. We will take one match at a time,” Jawichre said.Why exciting Kabras RFC quartet will miss a leg of the circuitThe 2026 championship introduces a revamped two-tier format aimed at strengthening age-grade rugby across Africa. Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Tunisia make up the Performance Division, while hosts Uganda, Zambia and Madagascar compete in the First Division.Kenya and Namibia are tied on three Barthés Trophy titles each since the competition was rebranded in 2016, with Chipu hoping to take the first step towards a fourth continental crown by overcoming Zimbabwe.Andrew Amonde opens up on pressure of managing a star-studded KCB teamKenya U20 squad vs ZimbabweStarting XV1. Daudi Jabita2. Jibril Joseph3. Mike Muriithi4. Thomas Odhiambo5. Jaden Oyier6. John Ombango7. Maxwell Kipsang8. Justine Ng’ombe9. Michael Olukusi10. Jackson Siketi11. Abdul Zubeir12. Rayvon Ambale13. Dennis Ndayala14. Brian Kiptanui15. Faran JumaReplacements16. Monda Tsuyoshi17. Jacktone Olali18. Innocent Indeche19. Joshua Sudi20. Aldrine Andaje21. Matrix Matangi22. Loren Nyamolo23. Ezekiel Apida