Kenya Simbas gear for test match against UAE

The National Rugby 15s team, Kenya Simbas, are set to play a test match against the United Arab Emirates [UAE] on Saturday, May 24 2025 at the RFUEA grounds here in Nairobi as part of their preparations ahead of the Rugby World Cup Qualifiers slated for July this year.

Simbas who are already in camp in Kakamega have a busy two months training schedule that will feature friendly and test matches to ensure the team is in pristine condition before the RWC qualifiers.

UAE are ranked 50th in the world while Kenya are 33rd with South Africa topping the standings.

The Simbas are preparing for the South African Tour and The Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda which serves as the 2027 RWC Qualifiers

The ongoing Kakamega camp is meant to conclude on May 18 before the 55-man man squad that was named by head coach Jerome Paarwater is whittled down to 33 who will head to a high-performance camp in South Africa.

Kenya is looking to qualify for her maiden World Cup after narrowly missing out in 2022 after falling to Namibia.

The winner of the RAC will get a direct ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, while the runner-up will head to the pre-repechage playoff.

Kenya have a strong chance of qualifying for the world cup after the tournament was expanded from 20 to 24 teams.