After narrowly missing the chance to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics at the Repechage play-off in France last weekend, the Uganda Rugby Cranes have now turned their attention to the upcoming Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens tournament in Mauritius.
Isaac Lutwama Nsubuga, the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Rugby Union (URU), confirmed the team’s participation in this crucial tournament to Xinhua on Tuesday.
“Playing in the Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens is another platform for our young players to keep improving by playing at a high level with other top teams in Africa,” Nsubuga stated.
The tournament, which promises to be a highly competitive event, will be held at the Labourdonnais Sports Club in Mapou, Mauritius, across two rounds. The first leg is set for 29-30 June, followed by the second leg from 6-7 July.
Twelve nations are set to compete in both rounds of the tournament, creating an intense and high-stakes environment for all teams involved.
Uganda has been placed in Pool B, where they will face Burkina Faso, Tunisia, and Cote d’Ivoire. Pool A features Kenya, Nigeria, Madagascar, and host nation Mauritius, while Pool C includes Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana, and Algeria.
For the Uganda Rugby Cranes, this tournament represents an opportunity to redeem themselves after the disappointment in France.
The competition will not only serve as a platform for showcasing the talent and resilience of the Ugandan team but also as a crucial step towards their long-term goals.
The top two ranked teams after the two rounds in Mauritius will qualify for the 2025 World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series, a significant milestone for any participating team.
Last year, the Uganda Rugby Cranes finished third in the Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens held in Harare, Zimbabwe.
This achievement underscored the potential and growth of the team, highlighting their capability to compete with the best in the region. Building on this performance, the team aims to leverage their experience and lessons learned to make a strong impact in Mauritius.
Coach Tolbert Onyango, who has been instrumental in the team’s recent successes, is optimistic about the Cranes’ prospects in the upcoming tournament.
“We have a good blend of experienced players and young talent. The boys are eager to make their mark and show that we are a force to be reckoned with in African rugby,” Onyango remarked.
The coach emphasized the importance of resilience and focus, qualities that will be crucial as the team faces tough competition.
The team’s preparation has been rigorous, with a series of training camps and friendly matches designed to hone their skills and build cohesion.
The players have shown commendable dedication, putting in the hard work needed to compete at a high level.
Key players like Philip Wokorach and Aaron Ofoyrwoth will be crucial in steering the team through the challenges of the tournament, bringing their experience and leadership to the fore.
Uganda’s participation in the Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens is also a testament to the growing popularity and development of rugby in the country.
The URU has been proactive in promoting the sport at the grassroots level, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for the national team.
The exposure gained from competing in such a prestigious tournament is invaluable for the players, offering them the chance to test their skills against some of the best teams in Africa.
As the Rugby Cranes gear up for the competition in Mauritius, the nation watches with anticipation and pride. The journey to the Paris Olympics may have been thwarted, but the path to greater achievements in African rugby remains open.
The Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens offers a new stage for Uganda to demonstrate their growth, resilience, and unwavering spirit. With determination and focus, the Uganda Rugby Cranes are ready to seize this opportunity and continue their ascent in the world of rugby.
