NAIROBI, Kenya, October 23, 2018/APO Group/ –Former Captain Wilson Kopondo makes his return to the Simbas as they head out to France for the Repechage. Kopondo last featured for the National Team last year in the Regal Hotels Cup of Nations 2017 at Kings Park Sports Ground, Hong Kong.

Head Coach Ian Snook has named a 30-man squad that will represent the country in the battle for a slot in the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan. He has included four Kenya Sevens regulars, Collins Injera, Nelson Oyoo, Samuel Oliech who makes a return to the Simbas since 2015 together with Andrew Amonde. A new addition to the traveling party is Kenya Harlequin’s William Reeve who caught the Head Coach’s eye during the Sevens Circuit and the Impala Floodlit Tournament.

Kenya kicks off the Repechage campaign against Canada on the 11^thof November at 6:30pm EAT before playing Hong Kong on 17^thNovember at 4:00pm EAT. Their last match will be against Germany on the 23^rd at 8:00pm EAT. Sunday 11^th will be the first time Kenya plays Canada; last year Simbas played Germany at home and lost 29-30 in the 79^th minute at the RFUEA Grounds before meeting Hong Kong in August at the same venue and later in November in Hong Kong during the four Nations.

The team departs on 31st October for a friendly with Romania on the 3rd of November before heading to Marseille, France, three days later for the Repechage.

Kenya Squad to The Repechage

Forwards:  Patrick Ouko(Menengai Cream Homeboyz RFC), Moses Amusala(KCB), Joseph Odero(Kabras Sugar RFC), Hillary Mwanjilwa(Kabras Sugar RFC), Ephraim Oduor(Kabras Sugar RFC), Colman Were(Kabras Sugar RFC), Philip Ikambili(Menengai Cream Homeboyz RFC), Oliver Mangeni(KCB), Wilson Kopondo(Kenya Harlequins), Malcolm Onsando(Kenya Harlequins), Simon Muniafu(Resolution Impala Saracens), Andrew Omonde(KCB), George Nyambua(Kabras Sugar RFC), Dalmus Chituyi(Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Elkeans Musonye(Strathmore Leos), Joshua Chisanga(Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Davis Chenge(KCB), Martin Owilah(KCB)

Backs: Samson Onsomu(Resolution Impala Saracens), Mohammed Omollo(Menengai Cream Homeboyz), Sammy Oliech(Resolution Impala Saracens), Darwin Mukidza(KCB), Leo Seje Owade(Resolution Impala Saracens), Peter Kilonzo(KCB), Collins Injera(Stanbic Mwamba), Nelson Oyoo(Top Fry Nakuru RFC), Felix Ayange(Kabras Sugar RFC), William Ambaka(Kenya Harlequins), Tony Onyango(Menengai Cream Homeboyz), William Reeve(Kenya Harlequins)

Team Management: Ian Snook (Head Coach), Murray Roulston(Coach), Wangila Simiyu (Team Manager), Christopher Makachia (Team Physiotherapist), Charles Ngovi (Assistant Coach), Dominique Habimana (Assistant Coach), James Ondiege (Team Doctor) Edwin Boit (Team Analyst)

Simbas Fixtures in France (EAT)

Sunday 11^th November vs Canada – 6:30pm

Saturday 17^th November vs Hong Kong – 4:00pm

Friday 23^rd November vs Germany – 8:00pm