Kenya Simbas utility back Jone Kubu will be available for Kenya Simbas' November Test matches.
Kubu has been battling an ankle injury which saw him miss the Kenya Cup season and the Africa Cup tournament in Uganda.
His presence was sorely missed as the Simbas put up an underwhelming performance in Kampala, finishing fourth after losses to Algeria 20-12 and Namibia 37-28
They last won the competition in 2013 and have finished runners-up six times since losing to Namibia on all occasions.
Team manager Jimmi Mnene is optimistic Kubu will be back to play for the national team.
“He has stepped up his return to play protocols and with two months to go, I believe he will be back to full fitness in our next assignment, ” added Mnene.
Kubu last played for the Simbas last year during the Elgon and Victoria Cup in Uganda in November.
Mnene hopes his return will spur the attacking side of the Simbas. “He is a quality player who has been a huge asset to the team for the past three seasons. With the Rugby World Cup qualifiers on the horizon next year, he needs a run of games to be in peak condition and stay fit for next year's campaign,” said Mnene.
World Rugby on Wednesday released the schedule for the expanded Rugby World Cup 2027 which will now feature 24 teams up from the current 20.
Africa has once again been handed one slot while the runner-up in the final will face off with the runner-up from Asia before heading into the four-team final qualifier.
Mnene said it will be a tall order. “We have to double our effort in terms of preparation and funding if we are to beat the likes of Zimbabwe and Namibia."
He added: “ We need to play friendly matches before the Rugby World Cup qualifier next year. I believe the players we have are good enough for us to qualify."
Mnene was non-committal if the Simbas were going to play the ElgOn Cup against Uganda. “Still we have not had any communication yet but we hope we get a chance to play before the end of the year."
