Kenya Simbas will start their Currie Cup division Mzanzi Challenge against Boland Cavaliers in Cape Town on April 1.
Jerome Paarwater’s charges will then face former champions Leopards from Potchefstroom away on April 8, San Clemente Rhinos (Mexico/USA) on April 15 and Eastern Province on April 29.
They will take on Border Bulldogs on May 6 in Cape Town and Windhoek Draught Welwitschias in Windhoek on May 13.
The Simbas have been given a boost after the organizers’ said they will play three of their matches on home soil at the RFUEA ground.
The Simbas have a date against African rivals Zimbabwe Goshwaks on May 20 with further clashes against Valke Falcons on May 27. Their final match against SWD Eagles is on June 3.
Kenya will be seeking revenge having lost three fixtures last year. They lost 51-14 to the Falcons, 24-7 to the Eagles and were subjected to a nailbiting 24-23 defeat against Zimbabwe.
This will be the second consecutive year the Simbas are playing in the tournament having finished eighth last year with three wins and six losses. The squad will be based in Cape Town for the tournament.
Simbas’ victories came against Border Bulldogs 35-12, a 51-35 victory against Leopards and a 41-24 triumph against the Elephants.
Paarwater said the tournament will be a launch pad to qualify for the Rugby World Cup in 2027.
“It’s important for us to play the top South African provincial sides and test ourselves as we seek to qualify for the 2027 World Cup,” said Paarwater.
Paarwater, alongside his assistants Kabras coach Carlos Katywa and KCB’s Curtis Olago, conducted trials last weekend where 85 players were picked.
A 40-man squad will be named by next week with the team expected to depart for South Africa for the tournament.
The Down Touch Griffons completed a perfect 2022 season by winning the Carling Currie Cup First Division title. They beat Eastern Province 45-16 to secure promotion to Currie Cup Premier Division.
