Kenya Rugby Union wins bid to host U-20 Barthes Cup

Kenya’s Billy Odhiambo is tackled in the men's sevens rugby match between England and Kenya during day one of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens series at FMG Stadium in Hamilton on January 25, 2020. (Photo by MICHAEL BRADLEY / AFP)

Rugby Africa on Tuesday, January 28 announced Kenya’s successful bid to host the under-20 Barthes trophy for three consecutive years.

Through communication of their website, Rugby Africa confirmed Kenya had been given the rights to host the tournament which will be held on April 19, 22 and 26.  

????????????Kenya Rugby Union wins bid to host Rugby Africa U20 tournament ???? Rugby Africa awards the U20 Barthés Trophy 2020-2022 to Kenya ???? https://t.co/kMjHLCCvek#U20BarthésTrophy
Kenya Rugby @OfficialKRU pic.twitter.com/ddixGFxvFc

— Rugby Afrique (@RugbyAfrique) January 28, 2020

”The Kenya Rugby Union and the entire Kenyan people are thrilled by the excellent news from Rugby Africa awarding Kenya the Barthes U20 Trophy hosting rights for the next three years. It is indeed a great honour to all of us. Special mention to our Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage under the astute leadership of Amb. (Dr.) Amina Mohamed who have supported our bid. We will work closely with Rugby Africa, the government, commercial sponsors, media and other stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of the events,” said Kenya Rugby Union Chairman Oduor Gangla.

President of the Competition Commission at Rugby Africa and President of the Senegal Rugby Federation Guedel N’Diaye expressed optimism after Kenya was awarded rights.

“The U20 Barthés Trophy marks the first tournament in the Rugby Africa calendar this year. We believe that we need this kind of commitment as shown by Kenya Rugby Union to strengthen our sport for a sustainable and strong future. With solid commitment we can equally build a successful broadcast and commercial program around the event. The young players are our major asset in terms of growing participation and fan base,” he said.

TOURNAMENT STRUCTURE:

Pool A:
Kenya
Madagascar
Tunisia
Zambia

Pool B:
Namibia
Senegal
Zimbabwe
Côte d’Ivoire

Match Schedule:

April 19, 2020
M1: KEN vs ZAM
M2: MAD vs TUN
M3: NAM vs CIV
M4: SEN vs ZIM

April 22, 2020
M5: Loser M1 vs Loser M2
M6: Loser M3 vs Loser M4
M7: Winner M1 vs Winner M2
M8: Winner M3 vs Winner M4

April 26, 2020
M9: A4 vs B4
M10: A3 vs B3
M11: A2 vs B2
M12: A1 vs B1

The u-20 Barthes Cup is a junior tournament in Africa which sees eight teams compete for the title.