The Simbas will face Uganda in a two-legged Victoria Cup showdown in November, Kenya Rugby Union director of 15s rugby Moses Mukabane has announced
The national side, who have not been in action since the Currie Cup fixtures in South Africa in May, will assemble in October to start their preparations for the matches against Uganda.
Mukabane, a former Kenya Simbas and Mean Machine player, said Zimbabwe and Zambia pulled out of the four-team tournament due to financial challenges but observed the Simbas will be delighted to play Uganda.
The first leg is set for Nairobi while the second will be in Kampala a week later.
The tournament, which traditionally features Zimbabwe and Zambia, was last played in 2019.
The Simbas played five matches in the 2023 Currie Cup winning two and losing three.
Jerome Paarwater 's charges beat Border Bulldogs 30 -26 and Zimbabwe 48-7 and lost 33-22 to San Clemente Rhinos, 18-7 to Eastern Province and 35-28 to Weltschitias of Namibia.
The Simbas failed to honour their final two matches against Valke and South West District Eagles (SWD) due to financial constraints and this is not lost on Mukabane.
"Playing in the Currie Cup is an expensive undertaking. We are looking at getting sponsors for next year's campaign," he said.
"We are also keen on playing test matches against teams like Germany, Belgium and Hong Kong, teams that are ranked higher than us. Such opponents will give us a solid preparation as we seek to qualify for the Rugby World Cup in 2027.”
He added that the union is looking at the Simbas playing six to eight test matches every year in order for the side to be competitive.
"The more the team play, the better they become. Our plan for the next couple of years is to play as many international games as possible," said Mukabane.
He announced that plans are underway to have an under-18 side that will transit to the Chipu squad.
