China are the women’s champions in the 2024 World Rugby HSBC 7s Challenger. They won the Cup Finals of all three rounds in Dubai, Montevideo, and Krakow.
Uganda finished sixth overall; reaching the semifinals on two occasions in Dubai and Montevideo.
The final round in Krakow was not their best outing as they squandered chances of progressing to the SVNS Playoffs in Madrid.
Because of how they had been faring, it is easy to forget that this was the Lady Rugby Cranes’ maiden appearance at the 7s Challenger. They were the only debutants this season.
Coach Onen had expected it to be a tough test for the entire Uganda women’s 7s setup.
“Being debutants in the tournament, it’s going to get tough. It’s a test to all of us; the management of the team, the coaching staff, the country, and the players themselves. We are all under test to check the progress,” Onen said to Kawowo Sports in January before the Dubai round.
See coach onen’s vision at the start
But the Lady Rugby Cranes stormed the series with their physicality, set piece efficiency, and display of individual skills. It was impressive to watch.
However, they were let down by their one-on-one defence and their conditioning did not meet the unforgiving requirements of two/three-day tournaments.
Overall, the Lady Rugby Cranes passed their first test at the 7s Challenger. But as they return home, they will know that expectations and the passmark of success have gone higher.
Their next tournament will be the Olympic Games Repechage on June 21-23 in Monaco.
