Kenya Under-20 rugby team begins Zimbabwe tour with win over Tunisia

Defending champions Kenya U-20, popularly known as Chipu (Chipukizi), began their 2025 Rugby Africa U-20 Barthes Trophy campaign in Zimbabwe with a hard-fought 29-21 win over Tunisia at Old Hararians Sports Club on Saturday.

The Kenyans, who were heading into the tournament as defending champions, were aiming for a second consecutive victory over Tunisia, having beaten them in 2024 and led 19-11 at the half time break.

Coach Simon Jawichre’s charges were given a tougher test by the Tunisians in the second half as they battled hard at the breakdown and contested loose balls with vigour, forcing turnovers and slowing the game down but the Kenyans defended satisfactorily to secure the win.

"We expected a tough assignment since we are the defending champions. I'm happy with the boys. We have some work to do before Wednesday, but we are happy to get the win," Jawichre told Radio Generation Sport on phone from Harare.

Namibia also managed a win on the opening day, blasting past hosts Zimbabwe 41-22.

Zimbabwe struck first with a try after 16 minutes of play, but Namibia hit back quickly with a try and a penalty.

U20 Barthes Trophy Fixtures

Venue: Old Hararians Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe

Saturday 19 April 2025

1300hrs — Kenya 29-21 Tunisia

1600hrs — Zimbabwe 22-41 Namibia

Wednesday 23 April 2025

1300hrs — Kenya vs Namibia

1600hrs — Zimbabwe vs Tunisia

Sunday 27 April 2025

1200hrs — Namibia vs Tunisia

1500hrs — Zimbabwe vs Kenya