RUGBY CRANES 7S AND LADY CRANES 7S

Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda Rugby Union (URU) has today officially given the Rugby Cranes 7s and Lady Cranes 7s teams glad tidings as they embark on their journey to the 2025 HSBC World Rugby 7s Challenger Series.

The event which took place today February 21, 2025, at Copper Chimney Restaurant in Lugogo was graced by the National Council of Sports Secretary General, Dr Bernard Ogwel and URU leadership spearheaded by President Mr Godwin Kayangwe.

Uganda’s national teams qualified for the Challenger Series through their outstanding performances at the 2024 Rugby Africa 7s tournaments. The Rugby Cranes 7s clinched victory in Mauritius at the Africa Mens 7s, while the Lady Cranes 7s secured their spot by finishing third at the Africa Women 7s in Accra.

URU President, Mr Godwin Kayangwe, expressed his confidence in the teams, stating, “This is another moment of pride for Ugandan rugby. Our teams have worked tirelessly to earn their place, and we are confident they will proudly represent us.”

“There have been changes to both the teams, especially the men’s team with some new faces, which shows how much the 7s program has grown. For the Lady Cranes 7s, the team has been bolstered with a new high- performance consultant, who we think will give them an extra edge.”

Meanwhile, NCS Secretary General, Dr. Bernard Ogwel said, "The qualification of both the Rugby Cranes 7s and Lady Cranes 7s teams to the 2025 World Rugby Challenger Series is a proud moment for Uganda. NCS is fully committed to supporting our athletes, and we stand behind them as they represent the nation on the global stage. We are confident that they will make us proud, and we will continue to provide them with the necessary resources to succeed."

This year, both teams have been drawn in Pool C for the opening rounds of the Challenger Series, which will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from March 1-3 and March 7-9, 2025.

The Rugby Cranes 7s will face Samoa and Brazil, while the Lady Cranes 7s will compete against Belgium and Colombia.

Uganda has been a consistent participant in the Challenger Series since its inception in 2020. Both teams finished sixth overall in the 2024 edition, and with renewed focus and determination, they will once again give it their best shot at qualifying for the HSBC SVNs.

Travelling Squads:

Rugby Cranes 7s:

• Allan Olango Olweny
• Alex Aturinda
• Malcom Daniel Okello
• Karim Arinaitwe
• Tukei Aaron
• Nobert Sexton Okeny
• Roy Batholomew Kizito
• Daniel Oketa Otim
• Allan Amaire Karuhanga
• Arnold Jones Ocen
• Kamiza Ndoboli Jones
• Patrick Okello

Reserves: Aina Humphrey Ndahura, Stuart Micheal Mwayi, Julius Opio, Thomas Arthur Opio

Coaching Staff: Michael Wandera (Team Manager), Tolbert Onyango (Head Coach), Allan Seamus Otim (S&C

Coach), Samuel Asiimwe Rwakijuma (Physio)

Lady Cranes 7s:

• Ayot Mary Gloria
• Auma Grace
• Namabiro Lydia
• Kateesa Gertrude
• NasoziMailman
• Nakuya Agnes
• NambozoMastula
• Akello Tina Molly
• Mufuwa Rachael
• Lekuru Peace
• Nabagala Grace
• Samiya Ayikoru
• Nandudu Janat

Coaching Staff: Winnie Atyang Alexanda (Team Manager), Charles Onen (Head Coach), Kigongo Ssebalamu (S&C Coach), Nelson Mayeku (Physio), Bronson Weir (Consultant)

Uganda Rugby Union

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