Kenya Simbas' skipper George Nyambua in action against Uganda during a 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifier/FILE




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Kenya Simbas will renew their rivalry with Uganda in the Elgon Cup this November, Kenya Rugby Union CEO Thomas Odundo has announced.

The two sides—both of whom missed out on qualification for the 2023 Rugby World Cup—will meet in a hotly anticipated two-legged contest to determine regional bragging rights. The exact dates and venues will be confirmed in due course.

Kenya defeated Uganda 32-24 during the Rugby World Cup qualifiers in Kampala in July, but failed to advance after a narrow 29-23 semifinal loss to Zimbabwe, followed by a 15-5 defeat to Algeria in the third-place playoff.

Speaking on the upcoming fixture, Odundo said the Elgon Cup clash will be part of the November international test window and is vital for the Simbas' continued growth.

“We want to maximise the November test window by playing against Uganda and to keep the boys fully engaged after the World Cup qualifiers,” said Odundo.

Odundo revealed plans to revive the Victoria Cup, a regional competition involving Kenya, Uganda, World Cup-bound Zimbabwe, and Zambia.

“We have requested Rugby Africa to see if we can resume the Victoria Cup from next year—either in June or November. That way, the Simbas remain competitive, improve their rankings, and we begin building for the next Rugby World Cup cycle,” he said.

The union is currently reviewing the team's World Cup qualifying campaign to identify key areas for improvement ahead of the Elgon Cup.

“We are currently reviewing the performance at the World Cup qualifiers, and once we are done, the team can start preparations for the Elgon Cup clash,” noted Odundo.

Kenya retained the Elgon Cup title last year, edging Uganda 27-25 in the first leg at RFUEA Grounds before sealing the series with a 21-5 win in Kampala, claiming a 48-30 aggregate victory.

Since the tournament’s inception in 2004, Kenya hold the head-to-head advantage with 11 wins to Uganda’s seven.