Kenya’s Under-20 national rugby team, Chipu, have been crowned champions of the 2026 Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy after defeating defending champions Namibia 33-14 in the final played in Kampala, Uganda.
The victory secured Kenya’s record fourth Barthés Trophy title, making Chipu the most successful team in the history of the continental competition. It also earned Kenya qualification for the 2027 World Rugby U20 Trophy, where the African champions will compete against top junior teams from other regions.
Kenya delivered a composed performance from the opening whistle, taking control of the match early before extending their advantage in the second half to finish with a convincing 33-14 victory. The result avenged last year’s defeat to Namibia in the tournament final and returned the continental title to Kenya after the team last lifted it in 2024.
Chipu established a 14-0 lead before halftime through well-executed attacking play and disciplined defence. Namibia responded after the break to reduce the deficit, but Kenya quickly regained control with a series of attacking moves that put the result beyond doubt. Rayvon Ambale produced an influential display with accurate kicking and a try of his own, while Michael Lukusi and Jackson Siketi were among the scorers as Kenya crossed the try line five times.
The triumph adds to Kenya’s previous Barthés Trophy titles won in 2019, 2021 and 2024, moving the country ahead of Namibia as the competition’s most successful nation. Before this year’s final, both sides had won the tournament three times, adding further significance to the victory in Kampala.
The Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy serves as the continent’s qualifying tournament for the World Rugby U20 Trophy, making the title both a continental championship and a pathway to global competition. By winning the tournament, Chipu secured Africa’s sole qualification slot for the 2027 edition of the World Rugby U20 Trophy.
The victory was welcomed by President William Ruto, who congratulated the team for reclaiming the title and praised the players for their performance against Namibia. In a statement, the President said the team’s achievement demonstrated the quality of Kenya’s emerging rugby talent and reflected the country’s growing competitiveness in age-grade rugby.
Kenya reached the final after overcoming Zimbabwe in the semi-finals, while Namibia advanced by defeating Tunisia. The final brought together the continent’s two most successful junior rugby nations, with Chipu producing one of their strongest displays of the tournament to reclaim the title.
The latest success continues Kenya’s strong tradition in junior rugby development and strengthens the country’s standing within African rugby. Several former Chipu players have progressed to the senior national team, the Simbas, making the Under-20 programme an important pathway for developing future international players.
For Kenya Rugby Union, the title represents more than another continental trophy. It secures international competition for the country’s best young players in 2027 and reinforces the progress of Kenya’s age-grade rugby programme after another successful campaign on the African stage.