Kenya Simbas's participation in the 2024 Currie Cup is in doubt owing to financial constraints.
Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) director of national squads, Moses Mukabane, said the team has to look at the Africa Cup and test matches against quality opposition later in the year if money is not available to play in the Currie Cup.
"The Currie Cup is an expensive undertaking. We have played there for two years but we are currently in a tight spot as far as finances are concerned. We will wait and see what happens in the next couple of months,” observed Mukabane.
The tournament, which involves the top South African provincial side, runs from March to June and the total budget estimates for the Simbas are between Sh60-80 million.
The amount is to cater for accommodation, air tickets, gym fees, transport costs, allowances, and other miscellaneous expenses for a 30-man squad.
He announced that the team will undertake training camps early next month to start preparing for the international season.
The Simbas played in the Currie Cup first division also known as the Mzansi Challenge as part of preparations for the Rugby World Cup qualifiers in 2022. In 2023, they withdrew halfway through the event having played five matches due to financial constraints —winning two and losing three.
In the 2022 edition, the Simbas finished eighth overall, winning three and losing six matches.
Mukabane said they are currently in negotiations with World Rugby to play friendly test matches during the June or November window.
"We are talking to the governing body to see if we can help us get test games as well as play in the Africa Cup and Victoria Cup. All this is geared towards enabling us to qualify for the Rugby World Cup in 2027,” said Mukabane
In a wide-ranging interview, the former international said the Eric Shirley Shield (ESS) will be converted to an under-20 league to bolster the Kenya team for future international competitions.
"We are looking at creating a competition for our under-20 side to ensure they remain match-fit for the season and not just play one big tournament and remain forgotten. We must keep them active for longer periods."
The Eric Shirley Shield is used by Kenya Cup sides to serve their second-string squads and features young players from the top sides.
He added that the union was keen to partner with Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Uganda to improve the under-20 competition.
"We are looking at ways where the four of us can form an event and help our under-20 teams to be competitive for future tournaments.