The Kenya Under 20 Rugby team arrived safely in Harare Zimbabwe for the under 20 Barthes Cup Trophy set to to take place April 20 to 28.

Head Coach Simon Jawichre announced a 28-man squad to represent the country at the annual event that will see four teams take part.

Hosts Zimbabwe, Kenya, Namibia, and Tunisia will compete in a round-robin format, with the winner earning a place at the World Rugby U20 Trophy in Scotland later this year.

The squad left Nairobi on Thursday and arrived safe and sound to begin preparations for the tournament that will see Kenya possibly make it to the World Trophy.

According to the head coach Jawichre, the current squad is in a very good position to win the tournament and book their tickets to Europe.

"This is an exciting squad for me because it blends experience and new talent. Nine players will be returning from the team that featured in the World Rugby U20 Trophy last July in Nairobi," he said.

Some of the returning names include captain Edmond Omondi, Geylord Ngasi, Andycole Omolo, Iddo Kuta, Wycliffe Ogutu, Nathan Tsindoli, Patrick Wainaina, Faran Juma, Michael Wamalwa, and James Olela.

Standout Kenya Cup performers Alvin Khavoli and Philip Okeyo have also earned selection.

According to the coach, they have faced challenges in arranging documents for the players to travel, but the squad is in high spirits and they are looking forward to their time in Southern Africa.

"The players are well balanced in terms of ball handling skills, and we have prepared tactically as well as in physical preparedness," he noted.

"The team is motivated by results from their peers ( Kenya Sevens men and women) and will give their best."

Kenya, who won the Barthes Cup in 2024, begin their campaign against Namibia on Saturday, April 20, followed by a clash with Tunisia on Wednesday, April 24.

They close out the tournament against defending champions Zimbabwe on Sunday, April 28.

Kenya U20 Barthés Trophy Squad

Darrel Oluoch, Ian Nyandusi, Bramwel Mate, Brian Shile, Geylord Ngasi, Hafidh Mohammed, Eugene Etali, Cleyn Okumbi, Andycole Omolo, Eddy Otieno, Iddo Kuta, Wycliffe Ogutu, Nathan Tsindoli, Willy Tino, Edmond Omondi (captain), Patrick Wainaina, Benedict Muiruri, Faran Juma, Philip Okeyo, Alvin Khavoli, Brian Kiptoo, Dennis Ndayala, Kipchirchir Bett, Elvis Otete, Eugene Ojiambo, Jackson Siketi, Michael Wamalwa and James Olela.