Rugby

As the 2026 Barthés Trophy gets underway in Uganda on Friday, 7 August, Kenya’s Under-20 side, Chipu, will once again carry the hopes of a nation eager to see the next generation of rugby stars emerge.Chipu open their campaign against Zimbabwe, seeking to reclaim continental glory while continuing a tradition that has become one of Kenya Rugby Union’s (KRU) most successful talent pipelines.##NAJAVA_MECA_9883847##Over the years, the Barthés Trophy has proven to be far more than just an age-grade tournament.It has served as the launching pad for many of Kenya’s finest players, with graduates going on to represent the Kenya Simbas, Shujaa, Morans and some even securing professional contracts abroad.The importance of the competition was evident during Kenya Simbas’ 2022 Rugby World Cup qualifying campaign.Seven members of the 31-man squad had previously featured for Chipu in the Barthés Trophy.From the celebrated “Class of 2019” to the more recent champions of 2023 and 2024, several player..

Kabras Sugar RFC head coach Carlos Katywa has revealed why the club’s exciting young stars Mike Lukusi, Rayvon Ambale, Jackson Siketi, and Adrian Khwesa will not feature in one leg of the ongoing 2026 National 7s Circuit despite their impressive performances.The quartet has been among the standout performers during the opening two legs of the circuit, earning widespread praise for their fearless attacking rugby and helping Kabras emerge as one of the competition’s most entertaining sides.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878407##Lukusi, Ambale, and Siketi are currently away on national duty with Kenya Under-20 in Uganda for the Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy, where Chipu begin their campaign on Friday, 7 August. Khwesa was also in contention but missed the trip after failing to secure a passport in time.Speaking on the management of the youngsters, Katywa disclosed that the three returning internationals will rejoin the team for the Kabeberi 7s, scheduled for Saturday, 15 to Sunday, 16 August at the RFU..

The Kenya Under-20 national rugby team, Chipu, will be out to settle old scores when they face defending champions Namibia in the opening match of the 2026 Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy on Friday, 7 August at Wankulukuku Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.The fixture renews one of the continent’s fiercest junior rivalries, with the two sides having shared memorable battles over the last two editions of the tournament.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878407##Namibia denied Kenya the chance to defend their title after claiming a 32-22 victory in Harare during the 2025 edition, a defeat that saw Chipu surrender the continental crown.However, Kenya will draw confidence from the 2024 championship in Zimbabwe, where they stunned the Junior Welwitschias 34-28 with a dramatic last-minute victory en route to lifting their third Barthés Trophy title.Head coach Simon Jawichre has retained several players from last year’s squad, banking on continuity and experience as Kenya seeks to reclaim the African title.Among the re..

The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) has explained the thinking behind one of the biggest changes to the 2026/27 Kenya Cup fixtures, with traditional title rivals Kabras Rugby and KCB RFC set to meet on the opening weekend of the season instead of their usual season-ending showdown.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe blockbuster clash, which has often served as the climax of the regular season in recent years, will now take place on Saturday, 21 November, with defending champions Kabras hosting KCB in what promises to be an explosive curtain-raiser.The decision sparked questions among fans accustomed to seeing the fixture conclude the league campaign.Kenya Sevens star opens up on reason behind joining KCBHowever, according to KRU Director of Leagues and Fixtures Leslie Mwangale, the move was deliberate and driven by two key objectives.According to Mwangale, the first reason was to make every round of the Kenya Cup equally meaningful rather than having the entire season build toward ..

Kenya Sevens playmaker Nygel Amaitsa has opened up on the decision to leave Strathmore Leos for KCB Rugby, revealing that completing his studies made it the right time to take the next step in his rugby career.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsAmaitsa was among the headline signings during the recently concluded transfer window, with the record Kenya Cup champions strengthening their squad ahead of the new season. The Bankers also secured the services of David Nyangige, Collins Ngoko, Benson Kihiti, Samson Mapesa and Hillary Salano as they look to challenge on all fronts.##NAJAVA_MECA_9878591##The talented flyhalf said graduating from Strathmore University naturally marked the end of one chapter, and the beginning of another.”I had finished school, so it was my time to move. I was doing a Diploma in Bachelor of Business Information Technology. It has only been a week here at KCB; I feel like a fresher,” Amaitsa told Mozzart Sport.The move also presents an opportunity for the ..

Defending champions Kinale Girls successfully retained their Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Rugby Sevens title, while Butula Boys were crowned the new boys’ champions after a dominant display in the finals at the M-PESA Foundation Academy on Wednesday, 5 August.In the Basketball 3×3 competition, Ikutha Girls and Agoro Sare High School emerged as the new national champions after overcoming determined opposition in their respective finals.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsKinale underlined their status as the team to beat in girls’ rugby by defeating Western Region runners-up Kimobo Girls 19-7 in the championship match. The Central Region champions completed an unbeaten tournament, successfully defending the title they won in 2025, and confirming their place among the country’s emerging rugby powerhouses.KSSSA: Kesogon outclass Kwanthanze to reach volleyball final against SowetoTheir journey to the title was far from straightforward. Kinale edged Western Reg..

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.##NA..

South African Ntabeni Dukisa has opened up on his smooth transition from player to coach at Kabras RFC, admitting that while he has not officially hung up his boots, he is already enjoying life on the sidelines.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe former Southern Kings fly-half has been serving as Kabras’ backs coach during the 15s campaign and has remained part of the technical bench throughout the ongoing National Sevens Circuit.His impact has been immediate, helping guide the club to an impressive run of results in his first coaching season.14 Kenyan stars make inaugural Ultimate Sevens draftUnder the Kabras technical bench, Dukisa has celebrated victory in the inaugural Malala 7s Cup, lifted the Nakuru 10s Tournament title, finished runners-up at the Prinsloo 7s, and, most recently, won the Dala 7s title, ending the club’s nine-year wait for the Kisumu crown.Reflecting on the move from player to coach, Dukisa described the transition as seamless, crediting head coach Car..

Kenya will have a strong presence in the inaugural Ultimate Sevens Championship player draft, with 14 national team players set to battle for places in the new global franchise competition ahead of its September launch.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsTen members of the men’s national sevens team, Shujaa, and four Kenya Lionesses stars have been included in the draft pool that will allow the competition’s six founding franchises to assemble their squads.Among the Kenyan men named are experienced campaigners Tony Omondi, Vincent Onyala and Chrisant Ojwang, who headline a list that also features Shujaa co-captains George Ooro and Samuel Asati.Paul Murunga opens up on secret to his success in coachingThe Kenyan contingent is completed by John Okoth, Kevin Wekesa, Nygel Amaitsa, Patrick Odongo and Festus Shiasi.On the women’s side, Kenya Lionesses speedsters Freshia Odour and Sinaida Nyachio have earned places in the draft alongside experienced internationals Maureen Muritu and ..

Defending champions Kinale Girls remained firmly on course to retain their Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) rugby sevens title, while unbeaten Upper Hill School continued their impressive run into the boys’ semifinals after another commanding victory at the M-Pesa Foundation Academy.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsKinale overcame one of the toughest tests of their title defence, Itigo Girls, 12-7 in a tightly contested quarterfinal to book a semifinal clash against Mbakalo Girls.KSSSA: Rugby sevens quarters set as basketball 3×3 semis confirmed at National GamesMbakalo continued their dominant run through the tournament by defeating Nyagichenche 24-12, maintaining their unbeaten record and strengthening their credentials as genuine title contenders.Kimobo Girls also progressed to the semifinals after defeating former champions St. Joseph’s Girls Kitale 26-20 in an entertaining contest to keep their hopes of winning their first title alive.##NAJAVA_MECA_987..