Simbas build-up fixtures cancelled

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Kenya’s preparations for next month’s Repechage tournament in Marseille, France have hit a snag after their friendlies planned for October were called off.

The Simbas were to play British Army Training Unit-Kenya (BATUK) yesterday, meet Namibia on Sunday and Loftus 200, a semi-professional side from South African club Vodacom Blue Bulls, on October 28.

However, according to the Kenya Rugby Union(KRU), the three teams could not honour the matches due to varied reasons.

“Namibia are unable to travel to Kenya for the fixture due to some internal administrative issues while BATUK and The Loftus 200 pulled out of the set matches due to financial constraints,” KRU said in a statement.

The development leaves Kenya with only one build up fixture-against Romania-A in Bucharest on November 3.

The KRU has, however, hinted at organising a match with one of the Kenya Cup clubs.

Meanwhile, Simbas will go for a non-residential camp this weekend, where head coach Ian Snook will name the final squad that will do duty in Marseille.

The Repechage will be Kenya’s final stab at qualifying for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.