NAIROBI, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Kenya will send a strong side to the 2019 U-20 Africa Rugby 15s tournament, eyeing to claim the Barthes Trophy and a ticket to the Junior World Rugby Trophy in Brazil.

The tournament, which will be staged from March 25 to April 14, has three pools. Bougja Abdelaziz, president of Rugby Africa, said Wednesday that 12 teams have confirmed participation in the age group competition.

"Venues for the tournaments are yet to be announced because the countries have until Jan. 15 to put in a tender to host," said Abdelaziz in a statement.

Kenya will have to be at its best form if they are to challenge for the top spot in the group and qualify for the semifinals. They are ranked third in Pool A alongside top seed Namibia, Tunisia and Senegal.

Kenya missed out on the Youth Olympics in Argentina, which is open to players under 17 years, but Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairman Richard Omwela has confirmed they are keen to enter a strong team in the U-20 tournament.

Pool B has Africa 15s rugby giants Zimbabwe, the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, Morocco and Madagascar while Group C witnesses East African side Uganda, Algeria, Zambia and Ghana.

The winners in Pool C will be promoted to Pool B in 2020. This will be the first time for Ghana to participate in the U-20 rugby international tournament.

"The winner of Pool A will qualify for the 2019 Junior World Rugby Trophy," said Abdelaziz.

The 2019 World Rugby Junior World Trophy will be played at the Estadio Martins Pereira in Sao Jose dos Campos in Brazil. The tournament will take place from July 9-21.

The winner of the 2019 U-20 Trophy will earn promotion to the 2020 World Rugby U-20 Championship. Enditem

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