Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Tunisia Ready for 2025 Barthés Trophy Showdown
Kicking off with the opening match of Kenya vs Tunisia at 12:00 CAT tomorrow, Saturday April 19. All six matches will be available for streaming on Rugby Africa’s YouTube.
Simon Jawichre doesn’t have to look far for motivation ahead of the upcoming Barthés Trophy, Rugby Africa’s Under-20 Men’s Championship, kicking off tomorrow Saturday, April 19 to Sunday, April 27 in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Kenya head coach Jawichre returns to Harare for the second year, having guided the East Africans to the title in 2024 with a convincing 28-13 victory—bringing an end to Zimbabwe’s two-year stranglehold on the trophy.
Of Kenya’s 28-man squad that has travelled to Harare to defend their title, flyhalf Faran Juma is the only returning player from last year’s triumphant side. Now, Jawichre wants this new group to draw inspiration from the class of 2024.
“We looked into some of our highlights of the Barthés of 2024, just to get the guys’ mentality into it,” Jawichre told Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) media.
Kenya will be joined by the same three teams from last year’s tournament—hosts Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Tunisia—in a round-robin format over three match days at Old Hararians Sports Club.
The Barthés Trophy has grown into one of the most prestigious Rugby Africa events since its inception in 2008. Over the years, it has produced a pipeline of talent, with numerous former Barthés stars using the tournament as a launchpad to successful professional careers, both domestically and on the international stage.
A large number of players who illuminated the Barthés Trophy over the past 17 years will be representing their nations in the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, each hoping to wrap up their careers on rugby’s biggest stage, the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Former 2022 and 2023 Barthés Trophy winners, Zimbabwe are determined to reclaim their crown from Kenya. Zimbabwe has been the tournament’s most consistent side in terms of team selection.
Zimbabwe’s 2025 Junior Sables squad received an added dose of inspiration ahead of kickoff from former Junior Sables standout Edward Sigauke—a two-time Barthés campaigner and gold medalist from the 2023 edition in Nairobi, Kenya.
“To the class of 2025, this is your big moment,” Sigauke told Rugby Africa. “Wear that jersey with pride, play for each other, and don’t hold back because you’re going to miss these moments when they’ve passed. Trust the work you’ve put in, and remember you’re not just representing yourselves, you’re carrying the hopes of a nation. Go out there, leave everything on the pitch, and make history.”
The sizzling winger Sigauke is already a key member of Zimbabwe’s senior team at just 20. He made waves last year when the Sables secured the Africa Cup in Kampala, emerging as one of the tournament’s most outstanding players.
“Playing in the Africa Cup Under-20 was a massive part of my growth as a player,” commented Sigauke. “The pressure of representing your country and the quality of the opposition all helped me toughen up mentally for the higher levels I play now. Winning the Barthés for me wasn’t just about lifting the trophy, it was also about using it as a platform to propel me, and prepare me for the next stages – staying focused on the bigger
Namibia, meanwhile, arrive in Harare with a point to prove after watching Zimbabwe and Kenya dominate the past three years. Always strong contenders across all levels of men’s fifteens rugby, Namibia can never be counted out in tournaments like the Barthés Trophy.
Tunisia, the fourth team in the competition, will be eager to turn things around after a tough 2024. The North Africans were the only side without a win in 2024, falling to hosts Zimbabwe, Namibia and Kenya.
Organised by Rugby Africa (www.rugbyafrique.com), the continental governing body of Rugby across Africa, in partnership with Zimbabwe Rugby Union the 2025 tournament features host nation Zimbabwe, Namibia, Tunisia and Kenya, kicking off with the opening match of Kenya vs Tunisia at 12:00 CAT tomorrow, Saturday April 19.
Streaming
Rugby Africa YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RugbyAfrique
Match Day 1: Saturday 19 April 2025 (Local Time) (CAT)
- 12:00 – Kenya vs Tunisia
- 15:00 – Zimbabwe vs Namibia
Match Day 2: Wednesday 23 April 2025 (Local Time) (CAT)
- 12:00 – Kenya vs Namibia
- 15:00 – Zimbabwe vs Tunisia
Match Day 3: Sunday 27 April 2025 (Local Time) (CAT)
- 11:00 – Namibia vs Tunisia
- 15:00 – Kenya vs Zimbabwe
Written by Enock Muchinjo
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