What is at stake for Uganda Sevens at Rugby Africa Cup?

The Uganda Sevens started their Rugby Africa Sevens title defence with a commanding 45-07 win over Algeria Saturday morning in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Pius Ogena, Nobert Okeny, Aaron Ofoyrwoth, Adrian Kasito, Alex Aturinda (2) and Mubarak Wandera all touched down, while Philip Wokorach converted on six occasions to complete a perfect performance.

Having won the title last year in Kampala, the Cranes will have eyes on defending the title, well aware that that would come with dividends.

First, the winner of the continental showpiece will not only take home the crown but also directly qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The second and third-placed teams will qualify for the final repechage tournament set for June 2024, where one more team will seal the last Olympics slot.

The top two teams (excluding SA) will qualify for the 2024 World Rugby Challenger Series, which serves as a pathway to HSBC World Sevens Series qualification/return.

Uganda has won the Africa Cup on three occasions, with the first coming in 2016. The team managed to defend that on home soil the following year, defeating Zimbabwe in the final at Legends Rugby Grounds to complete the job.

But with South Africa participating in this year’s edition, the challenge will be even tougher for Tolbert Onyango’s charges.

The start, however, will be encouraging. Uganda has already won two games in Group C, defeating Algeria 45-07 and Burkina Faso 36-19.

The Cranes will face hosts Zimbabwe Saturday evening to conclude their Group C action. 

Rugby Africa Sevens

Results

Uganda 45-07 Algeria

Burkina Faso 19-36 Uganda