Chipu captain Michael Wamalwa sets the stage for home glory at World Rugby U20 Trophy

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RUGBY Chipu captain Michael Wamalwa sets the stage for home glory at World Rugby U20 Trophy

Festus Chuma 20:00 - 13.07.2023

Wamalwa expresses honor and determination as Kenya prepares to face tough opponents in highly anticipated tournament

Kenya national team U20 captain Micheal Wamalwa is brimming with excitement as he prepares to lead his team on home soil ahead of the World Under-20 Rugby Trophy.

The tournament, which was put on hold for four years due to the global pandemic, is set to kick off in Nairobi, and Wamalwa is determined to make the most of this golden opportunity.

Speaking about the upcoming tournament, the KCB Rugby Centre expressed his gratitude, stating that captaining the team in front of the home fans is a dream come true.

"This is one memory that I will cherish for the rest of my life. The fact that we are donning the national colors in front of our own fans... many long for this moment, and we are honored to be representing the country on the global stage," he said.

Kenya's journey begins with an intense clash against Samoa, a formidable opponent, and Wamalwa has emphasized that meticulous studying and a solid defensive strategy will be key to their success. 

Confident in their abilities, he believes that being masters of their defense will allow them to compete with any team.

 Recognizing the challenging nature of their pool, Wamalwa invites fans to revel in the thrilling matches that lie ahead.

The World Rugby U20 Trophy has seen remarkable performances by various nations, with Japan boasting the best overall record, having clinched the title three times in the past. 

Their recent victory in 2019 secured their spot in the World Rugby U20 Championship. However, the U20 Trophy presents an opportunity for teams to earn promotion, while the last-placed team in the U20 Championship faces relegation to the U20 Trophy for the following year.

Samoa and Italy, with two championships each, closely trail Japan's success. Additionally, USA, Georgia, Uruguay, Fiji, and Romania have each triumphed once, adding to the rich tapestry of the tournament's history.

From July 15 to July 30, all matches of the U20 Trophy will be held at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium. 

Scotland will open the tournament against Zimbabwe, followed by Samoa's clash against the hosts, Kenya.

Former champions Uruguay and USA will also face off, while Spain and Hong Kong China will wrap up the opening day.

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