Who makes Uganda Rugby Cranes team for the international season?

Uganda Rugby Cranes captain Ivan Magomu in action against Algeria /Pulse Sports image

RUGBY Who makes Uganda Rugby Cranes team for the international season?

Ndyamuhaki J Emanzi 10:13 - 11.09.2023

Amongst those summoned is former Uganda Sevens captain Michael Wokorach, who will miss the Africa Sevens due to work commitments.

Following the conclusion of the Nile Special Sevens Series, attention in rugby circles will now turn to the international scene.

While the Uganda Sevens team is gearing up for the Africa Sevens Championship slated for this weekend in Harare, Zimbabwe, the 15s side will start preparations for the international season.

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Having last played at the Rugby Africa Championship held in France last year, the Cranes will assemble again for the Victoria Cup and Elgon Cup.

The team to start training was announced over the weekend and is expected to meet up with the coaching staff Monday evening at Kings Park Arena, Bweyogerere.

“We are delighted to start preparations for the Uganda Men’s XVs National Team games for 2023,” a document from the Uganda Rugby Union revealed.

“This year marks the start of an important cycle as Uganda Rugby builds up to our XVs international programs to align to our 2026 and 2031 targets.”

To start the preparations, 56 players have been called up, and these will undergo vigorous training before the final team is named.

Amongst those summoned is former Uganda Sevens captain Michael Wokorach, who will miss the Africa Sevens due to work commitments.

Seasoned campaigners Ivan Magomu, Santos Ssenteza, Saul Kivumbi, Collins Kimbowa, Joseph Aredo and Lawrence Sebuliba are some of the players on the team.

The team also features young talents like Sydney Gongodyo, Arnold Atukunda and Malcolm Okello.

Uganda last played in July last year, defeating Cote d’Ivoire 18-17 at the Stade Maurice-David to finish fifth in the African championship.

Solomon Okia and Conrad Wanyama crossed the white chalk for Uganda, while team captain Ivan Magomu added a penalty and conversion.

Joseph Aredo put in a drop goal as the Cranes won two of the three games played in Europe.

Uganda had first lost 42-05 to neighbours Kenya in the quarter-final before a tight 30-29 victory over Senegal in the placement semi-final.

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