Kenya Under 20 teams will start training in January for the Barthes Cup, set for April next year in Nairobi.
“We want to start our training as soon as possible to keep the players sharp and motivated for the task at hand and to ensure we retain the title that we won last year,” said Kenya Rugby Union chairman Oduor Gangla.
Gangla expects the competition in the new year to be fierce especially if Namibia confirm participation.
“It's going to be tough. Namibia missed out on last year's edition due to Covid-19 restrictions but I believe our Kenyan side will be equally by virtue of us being the defending champions. Playing at home will also be a big boost for the team,” added Gangla
The teams expected for the week-long championship are Madagascar, Tunisia, Uganda with the winner qualifying for the Junior Rugby World Trophy later next year at a venue to be announced by World Rugby.
To clinch the title in July, the national junior team, better known as Chipu, thrashed Senegal 50-3 in the semifinals at Nyayo Stadium before overcoming a plucky Madagascar outfit 21-20 in the final at the same venue.
Kenya also won the title in 2019, upsetting powerhouse Namibia 21-18 in the final played at KCB Sports Club along Thika Super Highway.
