Romania-based duo of Ian Njenga and Cornelius Mokoro have been included as Jerome Paarwater has named his first provisional squad of 47 players for 2025 ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifiers.
The Kenya Simbas have officially kicked off preparations for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup (RAC) as head coach Jerome Paarwater named a 47-man training squad. Among the fresh faces is Romania-based scrum-half Conellias Mokoro, who adds an international edge to the squad’s backline.
The RAC, scheduled to take place in Uganda this July, offers a direct ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia for the winner, while the runner-up will enter a pre-repechage playoff.
Mokoro, a product of Kenya’s youth rugby system, is no stranger to the national stage. Having previously represented the under-20 side, Chipu, and featured for the Morans in high-profile tournaments like last year’s Safari Sevens and the Africa Cup Sevens in Mauritius, his inclusion bolsters the Simbas’ depth.
Mokoro is the fourth Kenyan to have dumped Kenya Cup rugby to pursue greener pastures in Romania, and all it took was one game for Quins against Mwamba in late 2023 for the opportunity to pop up.
His experience in European rugby, courtesy of his stint in Romania with CSA Steaua, is expected to complement the team’s growing talent pool, alongside his fellow teammate Ian Njenga. Melvin Thairu is the other Romania-based player included , plying his trade for SCM Rugby Timișoara.
The Simbas commenced their Rugby World Cup qualification campaign with a four-day residential camp on January 26 in Kakamega. The team is eager to bounce back after falling short in their last two World Cup qualification cycles.
In 2022, Kenya narrowly missed out on Africa’s sole ticket to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, losing to Namibia in the Rugby Africa Cup final. The following year saw further disappointment, with the Simbas finishing fourth after a tight 20-12 loss to Algeria in the third-place playoff.
This time, the stakes are higher, but so are the opportunities. The expanded World Cup format, which increases the number of participating teams from 20 to 24, presents a golden chance for Kenya to claim one of the additional slots.
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It was a year of several highs for Kenya 7s, such as sealing back qualification to the HSBC Sevens World Series, but also a few lows.
The squad features a mix of experienced players and promising talent, including Simbas captain George Nyambua, Kabras assistant captain Eugene Sifuna, and versatile playmaker Jone Kubu.
The forwards’ lineup is stacked with power, including Hibrahim Ayoo, Elkeans Musonye, and veteran hooker Eugene Sifuna. In the backline, Mokoro is joined by reliable names like Samson Onsomu and Brian Wahinya, while the wings boast explosive talent such as Beldad Ogeta and Derrick Ashihundu.
Squad:
Forwards
Loosehead Props: Melvin Thairu, Edward Mwaura, Ian Njenga, Andrew Siminyu
Hookers: Eugene Sifuna, Celestine Mboi, Khaidar Mohamed, Teddy Akala, Griffin Musila
Tighthead Props: Wilhite Mususi, Ephraim Oduor, Desterious Ifedha, Emmanuel Otieno, Erick Miheso
Locks: Hibrahim Ayoo, Andycole Omollo, Hillary Odhiambo, Hillary Baraza, Emmanuel Silungi
Flankers: George Nyambua, Collins Indeche, Ahmos Obae, Charles Omondi, Elkeans Musonye, Clinton Odhiambo
Number 8: Jeanson Misoga, Sheldon Kahi, Obat Kuke
Backline
Scrum-Halves: Conellias Mokoro, Samson Onsomu, Emmanuel Opondo
Fly-Halves: Brian Wahinya, Barry Young, Jone Kubu
Wings: Beldad Ogeta, Griffin Chao, Derrick Ashihundu, Alfred Orege
Centres: Walter Okoth, Wiseman Aganya, Paul Mutsami, Richel Wagila, Bryceson Adaka, Charles Odhiambo, Tyson Maina
Fullbacks: Abdultwalib Wesonga, Timothy Omela
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Kenya Simbas assistant coach Carlos Katywa has explained why the coaching staff will not widen their scope of players ahead of the 2025 Rugby World Cup qualifiers.
