Kenya Under-20 national rugby 15s team, Chipu, have unveiled a significantly revamped squad for the 2026 Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy, with 23 new players earning call-ups while only five members of last year's squad have been retained.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsHead coach Simon Jawichre has largely refreshed the side ahead of the continental tournament, which will be held in Kampala, Uganda, from Friday, 7 to Sunday, 15 August.South African Ntabeni Dukisa reflects on transitioning from player to coach at KabrasAmong the players retained from the 2025 squad are Mike Muriithi, Justine Ng'ombe, Dennis Ndayala, Faran Juma and Brian Kiptanui, who will provide valuable experience in an otherwise youthful squad.The forwards unit features Daudi Jabita, Jacktone Olali, Mike Muriithi, Innocent Indeche, Jibril Joseph, Justine Ng'ombe, Chelsese Otieno, Thomas Odhiambo, Aldrine Misiomi, Jaden Paul, Randy Otuoma, Maxwell Kipsang, Joshua Monoo, John Ombango and Derrick Osano.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878458##The backs include Michael Olukusi, Rohan Neel, Jackson Siketi, Rayvon Ambale, Dennis Ndayala, Matrix Matangi, Abdul Zubeir, Loren Nyamolo, Wayne Otieno, Faran Juma, Brian Kiptanui, Monda Tsuyoshi and Ezekiel Ray.Jawichre will be assisted by Carlos Katywa as forwards coach, with Motto Williams serving as the strength and conditioning coach. Samuel Ochieng is the team physio, Philip Wamae the team manager and Wacera Githua the assistant team manager.14 Kenyan stars make inaugural Ultimate Sevens draftThe squad announcement comes as Rugby Africa officially confirmed the fixtures for the 2026 U20 Barthés Trophy, with the tournament set to be staged at Mutesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku, Kampala.This year's championship introduces a revamped competition format designed to strengthen age-grade rugby across the continent by providing teams with more competitive fixtures and creating a clearer development pathway for emerging rugby nations.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878469##Kenya has been placed in the Performance Division alongside Zimbabwe, Namibia and Tunisia, while hosts Uganda, Zambia and Madagascar will compete in the First Division.Chipu will open their campaign against Zimbabwe on Friday, 7 August, with kick-off scheduled for 1:00 pm (EAT). Earlier that day, Namibia will face Tunisia in the other Performance Division fixture.Paul Murunga opens up on secret to his success in coachingThe outcome of Kenya's opening match will determine their next assignment. Victory over Zimbabwe will send Chipu into the Performance Division final on Tuesday, 11 August, against the winner of the Namibia-Tunisia clash.A loss would see them play the defeated side from that fixture in the division classification match.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878441##The revised structure means every game carries significant importance, with little margin for error. Rugby Africa believes the new format will create more balanced contests by grouping nations of similar competitive levels.Kenya's opening clash against Zimbabwe is expected to be a physical contest, with both nations traditionally relying on forward dominance and structured rugby.Why talented Kabras RFC youngster will miss the Barthes CupJawichre's charges will need to be disciplined at the breakdown, efficient in set-pieces and clinical when scoring opportunities arise if they are to begin their campaign on a winning note.2026 U20 Barthés Trophy fixturesPerformance DivisionFriday, August 7Namibia vs Tunisia – 10:00 a.m.Kenya vs Zimbabwe – 1:00 p.m.Tuesday, August 11Loser: Namibia/Tunisia vs Loser: Kenya/Zimbabwe – 12:00 p.m.Winner: Namibia/Tunisia vs Winner: Kenya/Zimbabwe – 3:00 p.m.First DivisionFriday, August 7Uganda vs Zambia – 4:00 p.m.Tuesday, August 11Zambia vs Madagascar – 4:00 p.m.Saturday, August 15Uganda vs Madagascar – 4:00 p.m