Olago names Kipsang as Chipu captain for Barthes 2023 campaign

Kenya Harlequin lock Laban Kipsang will captain the Kenya U-20 squad, popularly known as Chipu at this year’s Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy that takes place at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium from 22-30 April 2023.

Kipsang is one of four returning players in the squad named by Head Coach Curtis Olago on Tuesday morning at the team’s training base at the KCB Sports Club in Ruaraka.

The other returning players from the squad that finished third at last year’s tournament are Mwamba’s Felix Chacha, Dave Mwangi of Kenya Harlequin and Strathmore Leos’ Stanslous Shikoli.

William Otondi who plays for Binghamton University in the USA has been named in the 28 man squad and will link up with the team on Saturday 15 April.

Commenting on this year’s squad, Olago, a former Kenya international center said, “We go in a bit green because of inexperience as only three players will be back with the team selected for this year. Nonetheless, it is a group comprising of very good players who have worked hard so far. We only have a few areas to polish and we will be ready for our rivals.”

This will be the third year in succession the country is hosting the junior rugby tournament

The tournament will bring together the top rugby-playing nations from the continent with the winner qualifying for the World Junior Rugby Trophy slated for July 15-30 in Nairobi