Chipu’s Dominant Performance

By Brian Otieno — 13 August 2026 — 3 min read

Chipu’s Dominant Performance

The Kenya Under-20 national rugby team, known as Chipu, has secured a historic fourth Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy. Their victory came after a decisive 33-14 win against Namibia in the final match held in Kampala, Uganda. This achievement solidifies Kenya’s position as a leading force in African junior rugby and marks them as the most successful team in the competition’s history.

The team’s path to the final included a 35-21 victory over Zimbabwe in the semi-finals. In the final against Namibia, Chipu established an early lead, going into halftime with a 14-0 advantage. Despite Namibia’s efforts to rally in the second half with two tries, Chipu responded with three additional tries to maintain control and seal their victory.

Key try scorers for Kenya in the final included Michael Andale, Jibril Lugonzo, Brian Kiptanui, Rayvon Avunga, and replacement forward Randy Outuma. This triumph not only earned Chipu the continental title but also secured their qualification for the upcoming World Rugby Junior Trophy, where they will represent Kenya on the global stage.

Presidential Congratulations and Team’s Journey

Following Chipu’s success, President William Ruto extended his congratulations to the team. He lauded their impressive performance and highlighted the significance of their achievement for the nation. President Ruto stated that the victory reflects the growing strength of Kenyan rugby and the potential of the country’s young athletes, noting that securing a record fourth Barthés Trophy has elevated the standard for Kenyan rugby.

President Ruto also assured the team of the government’s full support as they begin preparations for the international competition. He concluded his message with “Hongera Chipu,” acknowledging their hard work and dedication. The team’s campaign was particularly notable given their limited preparation, having conducted only nine training sessions between July and August before traveling to Uganda, where they completed an unbeaten run to claim the trophy.

This latest title is Kenya’s fourth since the competition was rebranded in 2016 in honour of the late Jean-Luc Barthes. Chipu have now added the 2026 title to their collection, making them the most decorated side in the tournament’s history.

Looking Ahead to the World Stage

Chipu captain Justine Ng’ombe expressed the team’s determination throughout the tournament, acknowledging the tough challenge posed by Namibia in the final. Ng’ombe noted that the Namibians proved to be stronger than anticipated, requiring significant effort from the Kenyan side to secure the trophy. Despite the challenge, the team’s quality shone through, leading them to victory.

Ng’ombe emphasized that while the team is pleased with their continental title, their focus has already shifted to the upcoming World Rugby Junior Trophy. He believes the experience gained in Uganda will be invaluable as they prepare to face stronger international opposition. The qualification for the global tournament offers the young players a crucial opportunity to gain international experience and further their development in the sport.

With the African title secured, Chipu now aims to compete beyond the continent, carrying the confidence of being the most successful team in the history of the Barthés Trophy. The team will now embark on preparations for the World Rugby Junior Trophy.

Source: the-star.co.ke