Rugby Cranes 7s set for Africa Sevens title defence in Mauritius

Africa Men’s 7’s (Mauritius SVNS)

Fixtures

Saturday

Uganda v Ghana 11:50 am

Uganda v Cote D’Ivoire 2:34pm

Uganda v Kenya 5:18pm

The Rugby Cranes 7s have their work cut out for them as they prepare to defend their Africa Rugby Sevens title this weekend in Mauritius.

Head coach Tolbert Onyango has named a 12-man squad led by co-captains Alex Aturinda and Norbert Okeny. They are joined by Roy Kizito, Karim Arinaitwe, Mark Osuna, Aaron Tukei, Mubarak Wandera, Arnold Ocen, Jones Kamiza, Denis Etwau, Malcolm Okello, and Allan Olango.

Uganda Rugby Union (URU) President Godwin Kayangwe emphasized the strategic importance of this squad selection at such a critical time.

“We are taking a strategic group of players, both technically and tactically. The goal is to finish among the top teams and qualify for the Challenger Series. Sustainability is key, and this tactful selection is aimed at securing the future of Rugby Sevens in Uganda,” said Kayangwe.

Unlike last year’s two-legged format, this year’s tournament will be decided over a single weekend, meaning Uganda must overcome all opposition in a condensed and highly competitive schedule.

Uganda has been drawn in the same group as arch-rivals Kenya, setting the stage for a high-stakes pool clash. With Kenya eager to make a statement, the Rugby Cranes will need to be at their best from the very first whistle.

Pool B has South Africa, Burkina Faso, Zambia and Nigeria, with Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Tunisia and hosts Mauritius completing the lineup in Pool C.