Ovwamu gutted after Rugby World Cup ticket miss

Kenya 15s side centre, Samuel Ovwamu, has expressed his disappointment following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup after falling short against Zimbabwe.

Ovwamu, who plays for local side Menengai Oilers in the Kenya Cup, says the mood in camp has been subdued ahead of their final fixture against Algeria.

“It’s an honour to play for the Kenya Simbas and to be part of the 28-man squad that travelled to Uganda. Representing 54 million Kenyans is a great feeling—it's something I’ve always dreamed of. Unfortunately, on Sunday, we didn’t manage to qualify for the World Cup after losing to Zimbabwe,” he lamented.

“We had high hopes, but things didn’t go as we expected. It’s a terrible feeling; the mood is completely down. But it’s already happened, and there’s nothing we can do about it now.”

Ovwamu, who had a stellar debut season in the local league, hasn’t started in either of the Simbas' two fixtures in Uganda. He is hoping to get the nod for the final match on 19th July 2025.

“If I get the chance to play, I’ll give it my all. We only have one game left—against Algeria on Saturday. Hopefully, I’ll get to play, and as always, I’ll give my best.”

Kenya had hoped to make their maiden appearance at the Rugby World Cup, but that dream will now have to wait until 2031.