The Rugby Cranes host the Africa Rugby Sevens Championship qualifiers at Kyadondo Rugby Ground this weekend aiming to restore their former dominance. Uganda won the 2022 edition under retired coach Tolbert Onyango but now rank fifth in Africa after losing key players to the 15s World Cup project.
Coach Allan Otim takes charge of a mostly inexperienced squad as the hosts seek a top-three return. Only Adrian Kasito and Desire Ayera remain from the 2022 winning team, while the rest experience the tournament for the first time.
Zimbabwe and Madagascar pose the biggest threats, with Uganda beating Zimbabwe in the 2022 final and edging Madagascar in 2017. Zambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia have also staged upsets in past editions.
The qualifiers follow the conclusion of Uganda's Sevens season last weekend, marking a critical rebuild phase after the competitive edge of three years ago was dismantled.
How did Uganda lose their Sevens ranking?
- Key players like Alex Aturinda, Pius Ogena, Aaron Ofoyrwoth, Ian Munyani, Timothy Kisiga, Desire Ayera, Adrian Kasito and Phillip Wokorach were moved to the 15s team between 2024 and 2025.
- The shift aimed to qualify for the 15s Rugby World Cup in Australia, halting the 7s programme.
- Without these players, the Sevens team dropped from third to fifth in Africa and missed HSBC tournaments in Dubai and Cape Town.
Who is in Allan Otim's squad?
- Adrian Kasito and Desire Ayera are the only survivors from the 2022 Kyadondo triumph.
- The majority of the current squad will play their first major international Sevens tournament this weekend.
- The team faces a tough opener against seasoned Africa competitors like Zimbabwe and Madagascar.
Watch the Highlights
Source: Uganda Observer
