Uganda Rugby Sevens Teams Flagged Off for 2025 World Rugby Challenger Series
The Uganda Rugby Sevens teams, both men and women, have officially been flagged off for the highly anticipated 2025 World Rugby Challenger Series. The flag-off ceremony was held by the National Council of Sports (NCS) and graced by NCS Secretary General Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel, alongside Uganda Rugby Union (URU) President Kayangwe Godwin.
A New Era for Uganda Rugby
This year marks a significant shift for Uganda’s men’s rugby sevens team, blending seasoned players with fresh talent. URU President Kayangwe emphasized the team’s growing depth, highlighting the promising future of the sport in Uganda.
I would like to tell you that this men’s team shows a lot of change, reflecting the depth we’ve been building through Uganda Rugby Union’s programs. About 50% of the players have also represented the 15s team, and we now have a broader pool of talent to rely on, Kayangwe stated.
Dr. Ogwel extended his appreciation on behalf of the Ministry of Education and the NCS Chairman, commending the URU for their consistent efforts in developing rugby.
We are very proud of Uganda Rugby Union because we can see the clear progression in terms of player development and the fulfillment of the union’s mandate,Dr. Ogwel remarked.
Men’s Team: A Blend of Experience and Youth
The men’s team, led by co-captains Nobert Okeny and Alex Aturinda, is set to make its fifth successive appearance at the Challenger Series. With a mix of experienced players and debutants, the team is ready for the three-round tournament set to take place in Cape Town and Krakow.
Travelling Squad:
- Alex Aturinda (co-captain)
- Nobert Okeny (co-captain)
- Allan Olango Olweny
- Patrick Okello
- Arnold Jones Ocen*
- Allan Amaire Karuhanga*
- Malcolm Daniel Okello
- Karim Arinaitwe
- Aaron Tukei
- Roy Bartholomew Kizito
- Kamiza Ndoboli Jones*
- Daniel Oketa Otim
(*Debutants)
Technical Bench:
- Michael Wandera (Team Manager)
- Tolbert Onyango (Head Coach)
- Allan Seamus Otim (Strength & Conditioning Coach)
- Samuel Asiimwe Rwakijuma (Physiotherapist)
Upcoming Fixtures
The Uganda men’s team will kick off their campaign with two crucial matches on the opening day:
- 11:22 a.m. EAT: Uganda vs. Brazil
- 5:59 p.m. EAT: Samoa vs. Uganda
Road Ahead
The World Rugby Challenger Series presents an excellent opportunity for both teams to showcase their skills and edge closer to securing a spot at the prestigious HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. As the squads head to Cape Town and Krakow, all eyes will be on how Uganda navigates this challenging yet promising journey.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Lady Cranes and Uganda Sevens battle for glory on the global stage!