Ten days since the return-to-rugby announcement was made by Uganda Rugby Union, let’s talk about what has not made the headlines this week.
Transfer window: Clubs making silent moves
As is the norm during the off-season, the transfer window in Ugandan rugby is open. But this year’s window has been like no other – some players have left the game while others have run out their contract obligations having gone 12 months without playing a single game for their clubs.
I expected a busy market when the return date was announced but since then, only Black Pirates have announced a signing – free agent Solomon Okia on a 3-year deal.
Question: Are the clubs making silent moves or waiting to spring to action on deadline day? There are rumours that Kobs, Heathens and Jinja Hippos have been recruiting new talent quietly.
Clubs officially resumed their group training this week and despite not making any announcements, the photos from the sessions provided some hints on which players are back or have moved. Like the towering Emong Eliphaz with Jinja Hippos or Ivan Magomu at Kings Park.
Last week, to enable testing players for COVID-19 to begin, URU asked the clubs to submit their team lists by close of business on Friday evening. Initially, many thought that would mean the transfer window would be closed but URU clarified that it would remain open until a week to the start of the season. This contradicts the union’s earlier communication that said the window would close two weeks earlier.
Another question: So won’t this lead to a situation where some players’ names appear on multiple lists? It is going to be a continuation of the same old chaos that surrounds player movement in Uganda. The regulations are so lax that clubs have been free to field new players when they turn up mid season. Partly because of the amateurish nature of the sport in the country in terms of no contract obligations and also because there are usually no transfer fees involved.
After the Switch:
- Uganda Men’s Sevens headed to Jinja for a week-long training camp which started with a gym session at the Health First Gym early on Monday morning.
- Jinja Hippos teased Rugby Twitter with a coming announcement of their new kit, and the official unveiling of their new signings.
- As the wait for rugby to return continues, players and enthusiasts have turned Saturdays into Touch Rugby days with fun mini-tournaments at Kings Park and Entebbe.
- February usually provides an entertaining blend of Six Nations test rugby and franchise Super Rugby. Don’t miss out as the Six Nations enters the second matchday after a thrilling opening weekend.
- Check out the new law variations that will be trialled when Super Rugby kicks off in Australia and New Zealand.
Share with me what you think about today’s discussion by replying this email on ernest@kawowo.com or via my Twitter account.
