Uganda Secure Major Boost After Thrilling Barthés Trophy Campaign

The Uganda Junior Rugby Cranes have secured a coveted spot in the Rugby Africa U20 Barthés Trophy Performance Division after a triumphant campaign on home soil, culminating in the First Division title.

In a decisive final at Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku on August 11, the hosts defeated Zambia 27-12 to cap off a dominant tournament performance. This victory ensures their promotion to the 2027 edition of the prestigious competition.

Uganda signalled their ambitions from the very first match, delivering a stunning 81-0 thrashing of the same Zambian side.

The Junior Cranes ran in 13 tries in that opening game, with Joshua Lamot, Gideone Kisangala, and Sylvester Mungu-Acel among the many scorers.

Victor Agaba's Player of the Match performance in that fixture immediately established Uganda as the team to beat.

While the final proved to be a tougher contest, with Zambia offering much stiffer resistance, Uganda's disciplined play saw them through.

The 27-12 victory handed them the First Division trophy and, more significantly, a place among Africa's elite U20 teams.

Team captain Elijah Kantinti praised Zambia's improved performance in the final but celebrated his team's ultimate success. "We achieved our main objective," he stated, acknowledging the hard-fought nature of the win.

This promotion marks a major milestone for Uganda's U20 rugby program. Next year, the Junior Cranes will face the continent's top age-grade sides, including powerhouses like Kenya, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

Head coach Martial Tchumkam's squad benefited from extensive preparations, which included valuable international exposure.

A cooperation agreement with Tunisia Rugby saw the North African side train and play warm-up matches in Kampala, providing the young Ugandan team with crucial experience against international opponents.

The 32-man squad was selected from some of Uganda's most prominent schools and clubs, including Heathens, Black Pirates, KOBS, Namilyango College, and King's College Budo.

While Uganda celebrated their promotion, Kenya clinched the top-tier Performance Division title by defeating defending champions Namibia 33-14. The victory earned Kenya a record fourth Barthés Trophy and Africa's spot at the World Rugby U20 Trophy.

For the Junior Cranes, the immediate focus is on the future. They will conclude their 2026 season with a friendly match against Zimbabwe U20 on August 15 before turning their attention to the challenge of competing in the Performance Division in 2027.