Kenya’s Simbas Fall Short in Rugby World Cup Qualifier

The Kenyan national rugby 15s team, the Simbas, saw their dream of a direct qualification for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France come to an end after a narrow defeat to Hong Kong in the final qualifying tournament. The Simbas had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the competition, defeating teams like Portugal and South Korea. However, in the crucial final match, a disciplined Hong Kong side managed to edge them out in a tense, hard-fought encounter. Despite the heartbreaking loss, the team’s performance was widely praised by fans and pundits alike. Coach Paul Odera’s men demonstrated significant progress and a never-say-die attitude. The result meant Kenya would have to navigate a more complicated repechage route, which they ultimately failed to secure, but the campaign provided valuable experience for the young squad.