Kenya Chipu aim for strong start in World Rugby U20 Trophy

Kenya's U20 celebrate their win against Hong Kong China during the World Rugby U20 Trophy 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya Chipu, fresh from their triumphant victory in the Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy, are gearing up to launch their World Rugby U20 Trophy campaign with a high-stake match against former champions Uruguay on Tuesday.

The much-anticipated encounter is set to kick off at 4:30pm at Hive Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Having secured their place in the World Trophy with a dominant 28-13 victory over Zimbabwe in Harare, Chipu are brimming with confidence and determination.

Their victory in the Barthes Trophy two months ago was a testament to their skill and tenacity, and they now aim to carry that momentum into the global stage against the formidable South Americans.

Chipu back-rower Edmond Omondi shared insights into the team's rigorous preparations in Scotland ahead of the clash.

"Our training sessions here have been intense and focused. We understand the significance of this match against Uruguay, and we are prepared to give our best. To emerge victorious, we need to maintain our discipline, execute our game plan flawlessly, and capitalise on every opportunity that comes our way," said Omondi.

He also called on the Kenyan fans to show their unwavering support during the tournament.

Uruguay, who clinched the U20 Trophy during its inaugural season in 2008, present a challenging opponent for Chipu. The South Americans have a storied history in the competition and will be looking to make a strong start themselves.

However, Kenya’s recent form and their comprehensive preparation suggest they are more than capable of taking on and overcoming such a formidable challenge.

Michael Wamalwa, another key player for Chipu, expressed his expectations for the World Trophy showdown.

"We know that this tournament will bring together some of the best young rugby talent from around the world. It's a great opportunity for us to test our skills against top-tier opponents. Our goal is to play our hearts out and make Kenya proud on this global stage," he said.

Kenya Chipu have been drawn in Group B. After their opener against Uruguay, they will face the Netherlands on Sunday, and conclude their group fixtures against the USA on July 12.

Each match presents a unique set of challenges, and the team is meticulously planning to tackle each one with the same vigor and strategy that earned them their place in the competition.

The World Rugby U20 Trophy in Edinburgh promises to be a thrilling tournament, where the winner will be promoted to the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2024.