Five teams have confirmed participation in the girls' Under-20 Franchise tournament slated for September 19 at the RFUEA ground.
The one-day event will act as a feeder programme for the Kenya Lionesses side. The teams for the tournament include Kifaru, Nyati, Ndovu, Twiga and Shibili.
Kifaru are made up of Mwamba, Northern Suburbs, Kenyatta University and Shamas while Nyati composed of Impala and Homeboyz.
Twiga will comprise Hidden Talent players with Ndovu featuring Nakuru, University of Eldoret, Maseno, Dolphins and Mbale Spears. Shibili will be drawn from the under-20 squad while Nyati will have Impala and Homeboyz players. Nyati face Ndovu while Shibili take on Kifaru in the opening matches.
According to development officer, Ronald Okoth, the turnout has been commendable and the competition is expected to be stiff. “We have a lot of girls coming through including those who have finished Form 4 and some who are in university. We hope to build depth in the team and develop a feeder programme for the Lionesses ahead of the Rugby World Cup in 2025.
He said plans are a foot to have the under-14 players drawn from primary schools feature in Demu Pevu tournament next month. KRU are fresh from hosting girls' Under-20 tourney in Bomet that was won by Nyanza who beat Hidden Talent 14-10 in the final.
Western, Nairobi Metro, Coast, Central, Eastern, North-Rift and South-Rift also featured in the event. Okoth said they have identified 24 players who will join the national Under-20 team.
"These games have been a highlight of the quality of talent present in our country. As a union, we are glad to have been a part of the experience. We are keen to see more development across the nation," he added.
