In a bid to gain promotion to the performance division of the Barthes Cup, the Under 20 Rugby Cranes continue to measure their readiness against local competition.
So far, the U20 Cranes have had trial games against the Uganda Legends and a select U23 side, with visible growth in both games.
Up next, they face a Premiership select side that is composed of some of the best performers from the just-concluded league, and a mix of some of those U23 youngsters.
In the premiership select side, fully capped Rugby Cranes players like Brian Wandera and Yasin Waiswa have been picked to give the junior side things to think about ahead of facing tricky teams like Madagascar at Muteesa II Stadium.
Former U20 players like Matthew Musasizi, Rodney Takan and Francis Bogere are in Saturday’s opposition side to inspire the next generation of rugby stars.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game, which shall be played just before the Uganda vs Kenya Legends game, the Local Organising Committee Chairperson, Sarah Adong, applauded the youngsters for their commitment to the project.
“This trial game is meant to officially showcase to Ugandans the product we have been preparing because the Rugby Africa Cup U20 is going to take place here; therefore, they are the ace of that. I therefore call upon all Ugandans to show these lads love by supporting them until the very end,” Adong urges the home fans.
The Uganda U20 training squad is not yet fully constituted, as some players, like Elijah Kantiti, were still involved in the league, while the other players are still in school.