This article was updated to include results from the three trial matches played during the training camp.
The Uganda Rugby Cranes have intensified preparations as the forthcoming 2024 Rugby Africa Men’s Cup nears. A 36-man contingent comprising seven officials and twenty-nine players will depart for Gauteng on Thursday afternoon.
Uganda Rugby Cranes squad for training camp in South Africa:
- Forwards: Blair Ayebazibwe (KOBs), Michael Otto (KOBs), Saul Kivumbi (KOBs), Ebber Aturinde (Mongers), Edward Emiemu (Walukuba), Nathan Bwambale (Pirates), Jude Jjuuko (Eagles), Julius Opio (Hippos), Robert Aziku (KOBs), Charles Uhuru (Heathens), Brian Wandera (Rams), Frank Kidega (Pirates), Moses Zziwa (Pirates), Mark Omoding (Kenya Harlequin), Ivan Odoch (Heathens).
- Backs: Nicholas Kato (Heathens), Pool Kalungi (Rhinos), Ivan Magomu (Pirates), Calvin Gizamba (KOBs), Joseph Aredo (KOBs), Alhaji Manano (KOBs), Jones Kamiza (Pirates), Thomas Gwokto (Heathens), Mohammed Haruna (Pirates), Shakim Ssembusi (Walukuba), Joseph Oyet (Heathens), Robin Odrua (Mongers), Jacob Ochen (Hippos), Arnold Ocen (Rhinos).
They were officially flagged off by the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) Executive Committee members and the National Council of Sports’ Deputy General Secretary Francis Oluga at Lugogo on Wednesday afternoon.
The travelling squad will join the six players already in South Africa on the high-performance program. They will then play three trial matches in preparation for the Africa Cup.
Fixtures for Rugby Cranes’ Trial Matches during Training Camp:
- June 29 vs Limpopo Country Districts XV in Modimolle (Nylstroom High School)
- July 2 vs Supa Barbarians in Johannesburg (Pirates Rugby Club)
- July 5 vs Loftus 200 in Pretoria (Harlequin Rugby Club)
This is the next step in URU’s partnership with Blue Bulls Rugby Union as Uganda builds its capacity as a test nation.
Results from the trial matches:
- Limpopo Country Districts XV 18-17 Uganda Rugby Cranes
- Supa Barbarians 41-13 Uganda Rugby Cranes
- Loftus 200 38-35 Uganda Rugby Cranes
The Rugby Cranes training squad lost all three trial matches. Players on the high-performance program featured in only the last one against Loftus 200.
