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The Africa Sevens exposed the problems of Uganda Rugby Cranes 7s but the poor outing is an opportunity to build for a brighter future.
Uganda Rugby Cranes 7s went to the Africa Sevens as the defending champions but came back with their tails between their legs.
Uganda, who are made up of a squad that has both youth and experience, were sent to the cleaners in Mauritius, where they lost matches to Ghana, Kenya and South Africa which made their title defence a fruitless effort.
The Cranes 7s started with a 17-7 loss to Ghana before thrashing Ivory Coast 43-0 but a 12-5 defeat by Kenya and 26-0 thrashing by South Africa made their work difficult.
Uganda would beat Zambia 24-5 but by this time their fate was already sealed and they now go back to the drawing board.
The defeat at the Africa sevens has huge implications as they failed to qualify for World Rugby Series Division 3, Madagascar clinching the spot, and now need to work out a formula of how to return.
However, the silver lining is that they still have time to rebuild until their next assignment, which will probably be the Safari Sevens likely to be played in October.
With veterans like Dennis Etwau, Nobert Sexton Okeny and Alex Aturinda close to exiting the scene, young guns like Karim Arinaitwe, Aaron Tukei and Roy Kizito have an opportunity to grab their chances.
Uganda also have a gem in Malcom Okello, who topped the points charts at Africa Sevens with 41, and should be eased slowly into the team.
The present might look bleak but the future certainly looks bright for Uganda Rugby Cranes 7s.
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