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Kenya national rugby union team

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This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Kenya women's national rugby union team.

Kenya
Shirt badge/Association crest
NicknameSimbas
EmblemAfrican lion
UnionKenya Rugby Union
Head coachJerome Paarwater
CaptainDaniel Sikuta
Most capsJoel Nganga (52)
Top scorerDarwin Mukidza (385)
Top try scorerDarwin Mukidza (18)
Home stadiumRFUEA Ground
First colours
Second colours
World Rugby ranking
Current33 (as of 20 March 2023)
Highest22 (2016)
Lowest51 (2003, 2004)
First international
Kenya Kenya won Tanganyika[1][a]
(1954)
Biggest win
 Kenya 96–3 Nigeria 
(10 August 1987)
Biggest defeat
 Portugal 85–0 Kenya 
(Dubai, United Arab Emirates; 12 November 2022)
World Cup
Appearances0
Websitewww.kru.co.ke

The Kenya national rugby union team, commonly known as the Simbas (Swahili for lions), is the country's national team managed by the Kenya Rugby Union. The team plays in red, green, and black jerseys with black or white shorts. The Simbas represent Kenya in the Africa Cup and various other tournaments across the continent. They currently rank 34 in the World Rugby Rankings[2] and fourth in Africa. Kenya is yet to qualify for the Rugby World Cup.[3]

The Simbas' home ground is the RFUEA Ground which opened to an East Africa side against the British and Irish Lions in 1955.

History

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See also: Rugby union in Kenya

Early history (1909–1960s)

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Rugby Union was introduced to Kenya at the beginning of the 20th century by British settlers and the first recorded match was in 1909. The game was initially restricted to whites only.

In 1923, the primary club in Kenya, Nairobi District, was split into Nondescripts RFC and Kenya Harlequin F.C., due to the club's overwhelming strength. In the 1950s the first internationals began taking place.[4] Early competitions included the Nairobi District Championships first held in 1925, a Royal Armed Forces tournament first held in 1937 and the Enterprise Cup which has been in existence since 1930.

Kenya played host to touring sides between the 1920s and the 1950s; notably including University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University and a Combined Universities (Oxford and Cambridge) team at Mitchell Park Stadium in 1951.

By 1953, the Rugby Football Union of East Africa was formed to oversee rugby in the three East African colonies of Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika. A Kenya Colony team played a Tanganyika team for the first time in 1954 and a Uganda Protectorate team in 1958 with the Kenyan representative side winning 21–11. Often, the Kenyan side was combined with other East African nations, and composed of players of European ethnicity. While the results were often lopsided, these games provided a huge amount of revenue for rugby in Kenya, and were incredibly beneficial. Kenya, as an independent side, played its first game against Tanganyika, proving to be victorious.

Independence and integration (1970s–1980s)

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Post-independence, the desegregation of the Kenyan school system meant that indigenous black Africans' featured in the rugby sides of elite schools such as Duke of York and Prince of Wales. Players such as Chris Onsotti, John Gichinga, Dennis Awori, George Kariuki and Jim Owino would form the first generation of indigenous black African rugby players.

In 1972, Ted Kabetu became the first indigenous black Kenyan to play for the East Africa Tuskers in a match against Richmond RFC. That same year, the Tuskers toured Ireland, playing Irish club sides, achieving moderate success and winning 3 out of their 8 tests; Chris Onsotti became the first forward black Tusker playing at prop on the Fourth Tuskers Tour of Ireland in 1972; and Jackson "Jacko" Omaido a school boy at Lenana School (formerly Duke of York) represented the Tuskers playing at fly-half at a 1975 tour of Zambia.

An influx of players from Tanganyika due to a flight of expatriates would boost the Kenyan game. During the early 1970s, a number of English clubs began touring Kenya, playing unofficial test matches against the Tuskers. This included Harlequins RFC nearly being beaten, only for the Tuskers to lose 20–15.

After an invitation in the local dailies to black African rugby players, Miro RFC was formed as an invitational side; rather like the Barbarians or local equivalents, Scorpions RFC. Miro were an all black African side and included two white players (Doug Hamilton and Pat Orr); considered to have played an important role in bringing black Africans into rugby in Kenya. The team played Rugby Roma Olimpic in 1976, winning 20–12. However, the side was disbanded over questions of the racial selection of players.

The Tuskers, by the mid 1970s being fully integrated with both black and whites, faced Zambia, winning 4 tests out of 5. Around this time, some clubs began folding due to the flight of white expatriate players. Despite the growth, conflicts emerged between the black Kenyan players and the many clubs which were still run by expatriates; Miro RFC played again in 1979, this time recording triumph against Blackheath F.C. 32–19, providing major hope for black African rugby.

Mean Machine RFC and Mwamba RFC both founded in 1977 as indigenous African rugby sides. Mean Machine, a representative side of the University of Nairobi featuring Absalom "Bimbo" Mutere, Thomas Onyango Oketch and football international Joe "JJ" Masiga were notable for winning the Kenya Cup on their first attempt. Black Blad RFC representing Kenyatta University College would follow thereafter. Mean Machine were however disbanded as a result of the closure of Nairobi University after the failed coup of 1982.

Miro RFC continued to play, but lost to the Metropolitan Police club of London 40–9, a side that was described as "makeshift". Around this time, the Tuskers played their last tour in 1982, defeating Zimbabwe and Zambia. The 1980s also saw the introduction of the sevens game. However, the 1980s also saw a decline in the national side; for example, during a qualifier play-off against Zimbabwe, Kenya lost all three of their matches; by the end of the 1980s, Kenya lost to Zimbabwe 56–9.

Mixed fortunes (1990s–present)

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The Simba XV logo

Kenya had firmly established stability in its domestic scene, with the game being picked up by the natives, and a league being established. During the 2000s Kenya began to start experiencing success again at the international level, finally being able to consistently record victories against sides such as Zimbabwe and Uganda.

For the 2007 Rugby World Cup qualifiers, the team defeated both Tunisia and Namibia at home, only to lose their away legs.

The team again failed to qualify for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, losing to Tunisia. In 2011, Kenya won the Africa Cup, beating Tunisia in the final 16–7 after both Morocco and Namibia withdrew due to financial constraints; the following season saw Kenya regress and struggle against Uganda and Zimbabwe, only defeating Tunisia to avoid relegation. The 2013 season proved to be a pivotal moment in Kenyan rugby, as they beat both Uganda and Zimbabwe, winning the Africa Cup for the second time, and the first time in a full four team pool.

The Kenyan national team competed in the South African domestic Vodacom Cup competition in 2014, playing as the Simba XV. The Simba XV were based in Cape Town for the duration of the competition and won their opening match, beating the Eastern Province Kings 17–10.[5] However, they lost their remaining six matches to finish in seventh spot in the Southern Section.

The preparation aided in the 2014 Africa Cup with Kenya earning victory over both Madagascar and Namibia. A loss to Zimbabwe on match day three resulted in a third-place finish on points difference and Kenya failing to qualify for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. In May 2015, Kenya played a European team for the first time since the East Africa sides of the 1970s and 1980s, defeating Portugal 41–15 in a test match at the RFUEA Ground.[6]

In 2016, the Kenya Rugby Union announced a sponsorship deal with betting firm Sportpesa, to a deal worth up to KSh.607 million/=; this is the most lucrative sponsorship deal in Kenyan rugby history, and figures not only to fund 7s and men's XVs, but the women's and youth game as well.[7] In September of that year, the KRU formally applied to be included in the South African Currie Cup.[8]

Record

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Overall record of the Kenyan national team up to date as of 18 November 2022.

Opponent Played Won Lost Drawn Win % For Aga Diff
 Algeria 1 1 0 0 100% 36 33 +3
Arabian Gulf 4 2 2 0 50% 66 141 -75
 Brazil 3 3 0 0 100% 81 72 +9
 Botswana 1 1 0 0 100% 80 9 +71
 Canada 1 0 1 0 0.00 19 65 -46
 Chile 1 0 1 0 0.00 3 23 -20
 Ivory Coast 1 1 0 0 100% 20 17 +3
 Cameroon 4 4 0 0 100% 156 55 +101
 Germany 2 0 2 0 0.00 35 73 -38
 Hong Kong 7 1 5 1 14.29% 169 220 -51
 Madagascar 4 1 2 1 25% 94 73 +21
 Morocco 4 2 2 0 50% 65 98 -33
 Namibia 13 2 11 0 15.38% 225 640 -415
 Nigeria 1 1 0 0 100% 96 3 +93
 Portugal 2 1 1 0 50% 41 100 -59
 Russia 1 0 1 0 0.00 10 31 -21
 Senegal 3 2 1 0 66.67% 86 52 +34
 Spain 1 1 0 0 100% 36 27 +9
 Tunisia 10 7 3 0 70% 354 219 +135
 United Arab Emirates 1 1 0 0 100% 55 17 +38
 Uganda 35 23 10 2 65.71% 882 566 +316
 United States 1 0 1 0 0.00 14 68 -54
 Zambia 7 6 1 0 85.71% 202 103 +99
 Zimbabwe 22 9 13 0 40.91% 507 581 -74
Total 130 69 57 4 53.08% 3332 3286 +46

World Cup record

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World Cup record World Cup Qualification record
Year Round P W D L F A P W D L F A
AustraliaNew Zealand 1987 Not invited -
United KingdomRepublic of IrelandFrance 1991 did not enter did not enter
South Africa 1995 did not qualify 3 1 0 2 40 125
Wales 1999 did not qualify 2 1 0 1 42 70
Australia 2003 did not qualify 2 1 0 1 60 42
France 2007 did not qualify 6 3 1 2 111 191
New Zealand 2011 did not qualify 2 1 0 1 91 52
England 2015 did not qualify 5 4 0 1 153 178
Japan 2019 did not qualify 13 7 1 5 474 420
Total 0/8 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 18 2 13 971 1078

Africa Cup record

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Main article: Africa Cup

Players

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Current squad

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Kenyan 31-man squad to compete in the 2022 Rugby World Cup Repecharge

Notable former players

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Simbas

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The following players were included in the Simbas squad for the 2022 Currie Cup First Division:[9]

Simbas

Props

  • Ian Karanja
  • Edwin Njuguna
  • Joseph Nyagol
  • Ephraim Oduor
  • Patrick Ouko
  • Andrew Siminyu

Hookers

  • Teddy Akala
  • Toby Francombe
  • Eugene Sifuna
  • Brian Waraba
  • Colman Were

Locks

Loose forwards

Scrum-halves

  • Samuel Asati
  • Brian Maragwa
  • Brian Tanga
  • Michael Walyaula

Fly-halves

  • Owain Ashley
  • Anthony Mboya
  • Geoffrey Ominde
  • Jone Tavaga

Centres

  • Bryceson Adaka
  • Dominic Coulson
  • Collins Emonyi
  • Peter Kilonzo
  • Maxwell Oketch
  • John Okeyo
  • Vincent Owino

Wingers

Fullbacks

  • Isaac Ikigu
  • Darwin Kinyangi
  • Jeff Mutukugi
(c) Denotes team captain and Bold denotes internationally capped.

Past coaches

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Years Coach
2001–2003 Kenya Ken Thimba
2003 Kenya Benjamin Ayimba (interim)
2004–2006 Kenya Thomas Odundo
2006 Kenya Manuel Okoth
2007–2012 Kenya Michael Otieno
2013–2017 South Africa Jerome Paarwater
2018–2019 New Zealand Ian Snook
2019–2022 Kenya Paul Odera
2023 – present South Africa Jerome Paarwater

Recent results

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2019 Results

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22 June 2019 Kenya  13 –16  Uganda Kisumu Stadium Kenya  


13 July 2019  Uganda 5–16  Kenya Legends Rugby StadiumKampala  


27 July 2019  Zambia 23–43  Kenya Ndola Zambia  


3 August 2019  Zimbabwe 30–29  Kenya HarareZimbabwe  


24 August 2019  Kenya 30–16  Zambia RFUEA Kenya  


21 September 2019  Kenya 36–14  Zimbabwe Nakuru Sports Club Kenya  

2018 Results

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26 May 2018 Uganda  16 – 34  Kenya Legends Rugby Grounds, Kampala  
16:00 EAT (UTC+03) Try: Mugerwa
Con: P. Wokorach
Pen: Magomu (3/3) 		Report Try: Ojee
Mangeni
Seje
Musonye
Adema
Con: Mukidza (3/5)
Pen: Mukidza (1/1) 		Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa)


23 June 2018 Morocco  24 – 28  Kenya Stade du C.O.C., Casablanca  
17:00 WEST (UTC+01) Try: Idrissi 11' m
Boukanoucha 28' m
Arabat 48' c
Nassik 71' c
Con: Chakir (1/3) 49'
Brichet (1/1) 72' 		Report Try: Adema 3' c
Onyango 51' c, 65' c
Amusala 57'
Con: Darwin Mukidza (4/4) 4', 52', 58', 65 		Attendance: 800
Referee: Sebastien Minery (France)


30 June 2018 Kenya  45 – 36  Zimbabwe RFUEA Ground, Nairobi  
15:00 EAT (UTC+03) Try: Chenge 4', 13', 17' c
Onyango 20' m
Penalty Try 36'
Owilla 79' m
Chituyi 80+2' c
Con: Mukidza (4/6) 5', 14', 19', 80+3' 		Report Try: Parirenyatwa 10' m
Mutamangira 26' c
Makanda 40+4' m
Mudariki 41' m
Penalty Try 45'
McNab 54' c
Con: Tambwera (2/5) 28', 55' 		Attendance: 5,000
Referee: Tual Trainini (France)


7 July 2018 Kenya  38 – 22  Uganda RFUEA Ground, Nairobi  
15:00 EAT (UTC+03) Try: Ojee 6' c
Chenge 20' c
Onsomu 28' c
Ayange 36' c
Amusala 80+1' c
Con: Mukidza (5/5) 8', 21', 29', 37', 80+2'
Pen: Mukidza (1/1) 49' 		Report Try: Wokorach 14' m, 71' m
Magomu 45' c
Okorach 62' m
Con: Wokorach 46' 		Attendance: 3,200
Referee: Quinton Immelman (South Africa)


11 August 2018 Kenya  67 – 0  Tunisia RFUEA Ground, Nairobi  
14:00 EAT (UTC+03) Try: Ambaka 5' c, 79' m
Chenge 21' c
Chogo 23' c
Ojee 27' c
Musonye 31' c
Mukidza 36' m
Owilla 41' m
Karia 55' m
Omollo 66' c
Opondo 74' m
Con: Mukidza (5/6) 6', 21', 24', 28', 32
Omollo (1/4) 67'
Mose (0/1) 		Report Attendance: 7,000
Referee: Julien Castaignede (France)


18 August 2018 Namibia  53 – 28  Kenya Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium  
16:00 WAT (UTC+01) Try: Botha 24' c, 71' c
Westhuizen 27' c, 42' c
Loubser 34' m
Tjeriko 57' c
Penalty Try 62'
Con: Loubser (5/6) 25', 28', 43', 59', 72'
Pen: Loubser (2/2) 5', 52' 		Report Try: Ambaka 13' c, 55' c
Onsando 66' c
Omollo 74' c
Con: Mukidza (4/4) 15', 56', 67', 75' 		Attendance: 5,000
Referee: Egon Seconds (South Africa)


11 November 2018 Canada  65 – 19  Kenya Pierre-Delort Stadium, Marseille  
13:00 CET(UTC+01) Try: van der Merwe (3) 9' c, 29' m, 76' c
Beukeboom (2) 12' m, 61' c
Sauder (2) 39' c, 54' m
Ardron 50' c
Sheppard 69' c
Evans 70' m
Con: McRorie (5/9) 10', 40', 51', 62', 69'
Sauder (1/1) 77'
Pen: McRorie (1/1) 2' 		Report Try: Onyango 17' m
Owade 32' c
Nyambua 43' c
Con: Mukidza (1/2) 43'
Oliech (1/1) 32' 		Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)


17 November 2018 Hong Kong  42 – 17  Kenya Pierre-Delort Stadium, Marseille  
14:00 CET(UTC+01) Try: Denmark 29' c
Hewson 49' c
Fenn 54' c
Lamboley (2) 64' c, 70' c
Warner 81' c
Con: Rimene (4/4) 30', 50', 55', 65'
Rosslee (2/2) 71', 83' 		Try: Opondo (2) 16' c, 57' m
Musonye 22' m
Con: Oliech (1/3) 17' 		Attendance: 1,500
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)


23 November 2018 Kenya  6 – 43  Germany Pierre-Delort Stadium, Marseille  
18:00 CET(UTC+01) Try: Oliech (2/3) 2', 38' Try: Ferreira 22'c, 58'c, 70'c
Haupt 40+1'm
Otto 45'c
Leibig 50'c
Aounallah 79'c
Con: Parkinson (5/7) 22', 46', 52', 71', 80+1' 		Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ The first match for both Kenya and Tanzania (Tanganyika at the time) took place in 1954 at Arusha. It was held shortly before the First Tuskers Copperbelt tour later that year and served as a selection trial for the tour. This match was won by Kenya though the exact score is not known. The next year the fixture was repeated, again at Arusha, Tanganyika winning by 11 points to 3. The third match occurred a year later in 1956, again at Arusha; Kenya winning this encounter 0–13.

References

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  • Campbell, M; Cohen, E.J. (1960). Rugby Football in East Africa 1909–1959. Rugby Football Union of East Africa.
  1. ^ Campbell (1960) pp41
  2. ^ worldrugby.org. "Record score propels Kenya to an all-time high in rankings".
  3. ^ "About Us - Kenya Rugby Union". Kenya Rugby Union. Archived from the original on 5 September 2015. Retrieved 10 September 2015.
  4. ^ "The Early Days of Kenya Rugby". KenyaPage.Net. Retrieved 7 June 2015.
  5. ^ "SA Rugby Match Centre – Tusker Simba XV 17–10 Eastern Province Kings". South African Rugby Union. 8 March 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2016.
  6. ^ "Kenya Simbas go on the rampage against Portugal".
  7. ^ Swila, Isaac. "Betting firm SportPesa, KRU sign Sh600m deal". Daily Nation. Retrieved 26 December 2016.
  8. ^ Nuguna, William (6 September 2016). "Kenya eye Currie Cup". The Star. Retrieved 26 December 2016.
  9. ^ "Simbas". SA Rugby. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
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