Kenya’s Under-20 rugby coach, Simon Jawichre, is emphasizing the need for better preparations for the team to excel at the World Rugby Trophy in the coming years. Following the team’s disappointing performance in Scotland where they finished last, Jawichre believes that early and comprehensive training is essential for success.
Jawichre expressed his concerns about the lack of adequate preparation which has been a recurring issue for Kenya’s national squads. He highlighted the importance of putting the team in camp early to work on all aspects of their game. The coach mentioned that a proposed training camp in South Africa had to be canceled due to financial constraints, underscoring the need for better funding and support for the team.
With half of the current squad expected to move up to the senior team, Jawichre stressed the importance of planning for the next group of young players. He mentioned that consultations with other coaches, such as Paul Odera and Biko Adema, are necessary to identify and nurture young talent for future competitions.
Despite the team’s poor performance in the recent competition, Jawichre remains optimistic about the future. He acknowledged the need to improve the team’s tactical play, particularly focusing on areas such as scrums, lineouts, defensive alignment, and core skills. The coach emphasized the importance of addressing these issues across all age groups to ensure success at elite levels.
In planning the way forward, Jawichre mentioned an upcoming meeting with the Kenya Rugby Union’s Squads Management Committee to evaluate the team’s performance and chart a path for improvement. He highlighted the significance of strengthening age-grade rugby tournaments to prepare for future competitions, such as the next Africa Cup in Zimbabwe.
While Chipu’s recent performance may have been disappointing, Jawichre’s determination to enhance the team’s preparations and performance bodes well for Kenya’s rugby future. By focusing on early training, talent identification, and strategic planning, the team aims to bounce back stronger in upcoming competitions and make a mark on the international rugby stage.