‘What Began as a Hobby Later Turned into Something Much More’: Uganda’s Captain Ready for Barthes Trophy as Hosts Look to Inspire the Next Generation

Elijah Kantinti leads the Rugby Cranes U20 into a crucial home tournament as Uganda look to climb African youth rugby’s ladder and earn promotion. (Tickets, Fixtures and Streaming Information Below)

KAMPALA, Uganda – Every host nation dreams of seeing one of its own become the hero of a major tournament. In Uganda, few things unite sporting fans more than rallying behind their homegrown stars.

From 7–15 August, Kampala’s Muteesa II Stadium is taking centre stage as it hosts the 2026 Barthes Trophy, Africa’s premier Under-20 rugby competition. With Uganda now firmly established as a destination for major international rugby events, the tournament is delivering another memorable festival of the game.

Among the home favourites is Uganda Under-20 captain Elijah Kantinti, who hopes the tournament will not only inspire his teammates but also encourage more young Ugandans to discover the sport.

“Rugby is not just a sport, but a community of families that come together every now and then, on a rectangular surface to push and pull each other,” Kantinti tells Rugby Africa Media.

“I highly encourage and welcome everyone into this family, regardless of status or background.”

Kantinti's journey to rugby was far from straightforward. As a youngster, he excelled across several sports before eventually discovering where he truly belonged.

“I had a very big passion for sports, particularly football, basketball and cricket,” says Kantinti.

“I first came across rugby through Tag Rugby, at around the age of seven, while at Aga Khan Primary School. But I later dropped it until Senior One at King’s College Budo. Why rugby? Well, on graduating to secondary school, I realised that many people played football, so I found a uniqueness in this ‘rough’ game of rugby. I wasn’t one of the biggest or most muscular of boys, but I found it quite stupendous to pass an egg-shaped ball, and knock around friends from time to time. What began as a hobby later turned into something much more.”

Now leading the Rugby Cranes Under-20 side in front of a passionate home crowd, Kantinti embraces the responsibility with pride. His leadership journey began during his school years and has been shaped by those who supported him along the way.

“Captaincy is something I picked up as a vice-captain at Under-17 level at school and later as captain of the school’s Under-20 team,” he says.

“I owe it to my teams, both at the school and national levels, for having given me the opportunity, which I do not take for granted. I’d also like to give special thanks to my father, Kantinti Dick Musoke, who has advised and attended several games, supporting me throughout this journey. Also my family, friends, teammates, coaches, physiotherapists, to mention but a few. They made rugby what it is to me. Most importantly, the Lord Almighty who gifted me with these abilities.”

The 2026 Barthes Trophy features six teams divided into two competitions based on competitive strength. Defending champions Namibia will compete alongside Kenya, Tunisia and Zimbabwe in the Barthes Trophy Performance Division, while hosts Uganda and Zambia will battle in the Barthes Trophy First Division.

The stakes are significant. The winner of the First Division will earn the opportunity to secure the open place in the 2027 Barthes Trophy Performance Division, making the tournament a crucial step in Uganda's ambitions to climb the ranks of African youth rugby.

With home support behind them and a captain determined to inspire the next generation, the Rugby Cranes Under-20 side has the chance to do more than compete. They can create lasting memories, ignite new dreams, and perhaps produce the local heroes every host nation hopes to celebrate.

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Performance Division

• Namibia
• Zimbabwe
• Kenya
• Tunisia

First Division

• Zambia
• Uganda

Friday 7 August 2026 (EAT)

• 10:00 - Namibia (11) vs Tunisia (6) (Performance Division)
• 13:00 - Kenya (35) vs Zimbabwe (23) (Performance Division)
• 16:00 - Zambia (0) vs Uganda (81) (First Division)

Tuesday 11 August 2026 (EAT)

• 10:00 - Zambia vs Uganda (First Division)
• 12:00 - Tunisia vs Zimbabwe (Performance Division)
• 15:00 - Namibia vs Kenya (Performance Division) (Winner of Tournament)

Saturday 15 August 2026 (EAT)

• 16:00 - Uganda vs Zimbabwe (Test Match)