Rugby Cranes Sevens begin HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series with mixed results

The Uganda Rugby Cranes Sevens started their 2025 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series campaign with a crucial 24-14 victory over Brazil in Group C on Saturday at the Athlone Sports Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa.

Allan Olango starred with a hat-trick of tries, while Norbert Okeny added one. Jones Ndoboli Kamiza and Olango contributed with two conversions.

However, Uganda faced a setback in their second Group C match, losing 32-17 to a seasoned Samoa side. Tries from Norbert Okeny, Allan Amaire Karuhanga, and Aaron Tukei were not enough to secure a win.

The loss knocked Uganda out of contention for the main semi-finals, and they will now face Portugal in the 5th place semi-final. Japan will take on Madagascar in the same bracket, with the winners of both matches advancing to the next stage.

Meanwhile, the Lady Rugby Cranes Sevens had a tough start, falling 24-7 to Colombia. Grace Auma scored Uganda’s lone try, with Samiya Ayikoru adding the conversion. However, the team bounced back strongly with a commanding 31-5 victory over Belgium. Tries from Lydia Namabiro, Grace Nabagala, Grace Auma, Racheal Mufuwa, and Peace Lekuru, along with conversions from Mastula Namboozo and Mayimuna Nassozi, sealed the win.

The results keep Uganda’s hopes alive for a top-five finish, but they must first overcome Thailand in their next match.

Teams will remain in Cape Town until next week, when the second round of the Challenger Series concludes. The top eight teams from each category will advance to the third round in Poland in April, where four teams from each category will qualify for the final tournament in Los Angeles in early May. This tournament will determine the final qualifiers for the 2025-2026 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

Uganda’s Rugby Cranes Sevens and Lady Rugby Cranes Sevens will aim to build on their performances as they continue their quest for qualification.