Ugandan rugby sensation Philip Wokorach has grown from strength to strength on the international stage, and now that success is starting to have a ripple effect.
Wokorach first moved to Kenya’s Kabras Sugar before making an even bigger move to France with A.S.B.C., and ultimately climbed the French rugby ladder with a transfer to RC Orleans.
For a very disciplined player, adjusting to life in Europe was so difficult, especially on the pitch.
“What I have noticed here, as compared to when I was in Kenya and Uganda, is that every coach has his own philosophy of play and structure, which we follow, and it works differently. There’s also lots of training which emphasises mostly the basics of the game and positional skills,” noted Wokorach.
Wokorach was the top scorer of the season with RC Orleans, an achievement he is grateful for.
“I continue thanking God for enabling me to keep doing what I love year in year out. The feeling is the same regardless of which pitch I step onto. What I focus on most is giving my best performance and helping the team win. Being the top try scorer only comes as a result of teamwork,” Wokorach notes with utmost humility.
After lighting up Season One of the India Rugby Premier League 7s with the Bengaluru Bravehearts, Wokorach was drafted and retained by the same team.
“After Season 1 and our performance, there was already a discussion with the team to have me back for Season 2. I’m grateful that the confirmation came through,” Wokorach says with delight.
At the Bravehearts, Wokorach will be joined by fellow Uganda international Denis Etwau for Season 2.
Additionally, a third Ugandan international, Adrian Kasito, was also drafted into the IRPL with the Kolkata Banga Tigers, a milestone that fills Wokorach with pride.
“I’m excited that there will be more representation from Uganda this year. To the guys [Etwau and Kasito], let’s go give our best and raise the Ugandan flag higher. And to the Cranes, it’s your time to shine; all the hard work you have been putting in is going to pay off. Perform to the best of your abilities, and the rest will fall in place,” Wokorach urges his compatriots.