Kenya Chipu players and coaches pose for a group photo.[KRU Media]
Kenya national under-20 team Chipu will be looking for a winning start when they face Zimbabwe today as the 2026 Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy gets underway at Muteesa II Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
The match, set for 1pm East African Time, is one of three opening-day fixtures as six countries begin their chase for the continental title.
Namibia will take on Tunisia in the first match of the day at 10am before Kenya meet Zimbabwe, while hosts Uganda will face Zambia at 4pm in the First Division.
This year's tournament is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent years, with Tunisia, Namibia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Uganda all aiming to make a strong impression.
The 2026 edition also introduces a new tiered format. Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Tunisia will compete in the Performance Division, which starts directly with the semi-finals, while Uganda and Zambia battle in the First Division.