Flying their flag proudly, Madagascar has finally landed in Kenya for The U20 Barthés Trophy which kicked off on June 26 at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium and will run until July 11, 2021.
Initially hit by travelling restrictions and closed borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rugby Africa was able to assist with sending the team to Kenya, while adhering to COVID-19 procedures and protocols.
Vying for this year’s African Junior Champion title will be defending champions Kenya, Senegal and now Madagascar. The fourth team, Namibia, were forced to miss the tournament as increased number of Covid cases in the country prevented them from travelling.
As a result of their withdrawal, one match was played on Saturday 26 June. Hosts and defending champions Kenya defeated Senegal 50 -3 in that encounter.
The remaining fixtures are as follows
3 July: Senegal versus Madagascar
11 July: Kenya versus Madagascar
The U20 Barthes Trophy symbolizes the start of three weeks of international rugby action taking place on Kenyan soil. Their men’s fifteens national team, Simbas will host Zambia and Senegal in the Rugby Africa Cup between 3 and 11 July while their women’s fifteens squad, Lionesses will play Madagascar on 3 and 11 July.
The President of Malagasy Rugby Union Marcel Rakotomalala said it would be the first time that three national Malagasy teams would be travelling together to participate in three competitions.
“We are extremely thrilled that three of our national teams will be proudly representing Madagascar in Kenya, and we are grateful for all the support shown by our host Kenya Rugby Union. This has been because of a lot of hard work, negotiation and determined collaboration with Rugby Africa to find solutions to travel challenges caused by border closures in Madagascar due to the pandemic. All three teams have been in camp, preparing for the tournaments and eager to play.”
