The Kenya Under 20 rugby team, Chipu, were in scintillating form as they blew away Namibia 33-14 to win the 2026 Barthes Cup at the Muteesa II Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
Chipu were favourites after playing a new brand of entertaining rugby that got them to the finals, having eliminated Zimbabwe 35-21 in the semi-finals. Chipu were off to a flyer, with red-hot Michael Olukusi scoring the first try. Hooker Jibril Lugonzo scored the second try, Kenya leading 14-0 at half-time after both tries were converted. Nzola Nkunku halved the deficit for Namibia, but two tries in quick succession from Brian Kiptanui and Rayvon Arunga extended Chipu's lead to 26-7. Namibia scored another try, but the game was put beyond their reach with a fifth try by Chipu, scored by Randy Otwoma. This is the team that many stakeholders have tipped to take Kenya to the next Rugby World Cup.
