President William Ruto has extended his congratulations to Kenya’s Under-20 national rugby team, Chipu, following their decisive victory at the 2026 Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy held in Kampala, Uganda.
Chipu secured the championship with a commanding 33-14 win over Namibia in the final, marking their record fourth Barthés Trophy triumph and reinforcing Kenya’s leadership in African junior rugby.
Dominant Performance Throughout the Tournament
The Kenyan side showcased consistent strength throughout the revamped tournament, which featured a Performance Division including Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Tunisia. After defeating Zimbabwe to reach the final, Chipu maintained control against Namibia, taking a 14-0 lead by halftime and ultimately sealing a convincing victory.
Recognition from the President
In a message celebrating the achievement, President Ruto highlighted the significance of the win for Kenyan rugby and the potential of the country’s young athletes. He stated, “By securing a record fourth Barthés Trophy, the team has raised the bar for Kenyan rugby and shown what our young talent can achieve on the continental stage.”
Looking Ahead to Global Competition
The victory also qualifies Kenya for the World Rugby Junior Trophy, where Chipu will represent the nation on the international stage. President Ruto assured the team of government support as they prepare for this next challenge, saying, “The focus now turns to the World Rugby Junior Trophy. We will stand with you and support you as you prepare to represent Kenya on the world stage.”
Despite limited preparation—with only nine training sessions between July and August before traveling to Uganda—Chipu completed an unbeaten run to lift the continental trophy, underscoring their resilience and talent.
President Ruto concluded his message with heartfelt congratulations: “Hongera Chipu.”
