The lady and rugby Cranes sides charged with one final chance, the repechage, for a showing at the grand spectacle of rugby sevens at the 2024 Paris Olympics have been named.
Lorna Sandra Amoli has made her return from injury and promptly, replaced the ailing Juliet Nandawula.
The Lady Cranes finished third in the 2023 edition of the Africa 7s and will play in the repechage, representing Africa, alongside noisy neighbors, the Kenya Lionesses. The reigning Safari 7s champions will play Hong Kong China, Paraguay, and Jamaica in the group stages.
Coach Onen’s charges were semifinalists in their first two HSBC Repechage tournaments (Dubai and Montevideo) but saw their hopes of a Madrid finals appearance squashed by Day one losses to Paraguay (14-17) and Argentina (31-20). They have a chance to avenge Paraguay in Monaco. The lady Cranes most recently beat Hong Kong China in the Montevideo Quarters, winning 22-17
Lady Cranes Squad
- Lydia Namabiro, 2. Grace Nabaggala, 3. Mary Gloria Ayot, 4. Gertrude Kateesa, 5. Sarah Kirabo, 6. Sandra Amoli Lona, 7. Maimuna Nassozi, 8. Grace Auma, 9. Ritta Nadunga, 10. Agnes Nakuya, 11. Unity Namulala, 12. Peace Lekuru (Captain).
The Rugby Cranes have welcomed back five senior players for the squad to take part in the repechage. Like their countrywomen, they finished third in the 2023 Africa 7s, earning a final push for the Olympics via Repechage.
The 2022 Africa 7s champions have been drawn in Pool B alongside China and HSBC SVNS regulars Great Britain and Canada. Canada was relegated to the HSBC Repechage after finishing bottom of the 12-team SVNS log and losing their qualifier to Spain, while Great Britain finished in 8th.
Uganda’s men’s side was about done with the HSBC Challenger Series by the end of the Montevideo round and sent a less experienced team to Munich for the final showpiece. With the Olympics on the line, Coach Tolbert Onyango has called back the big guns while leaving out enforcers Desire Ayera, Isaac Massa, and playmaker Aaron Ofoywroth. The latter is staying behind to nurse an injury sustained while playing in the Rugby Championship.
Rugby Cranes Squad
- Ian Munyani (Captain), 2. Phillip Wokorach 3. Timothy Kisiga, 4. Adrian Kasito, 5. Pius Ogena, 6. William Nkore, 7. Karim Arinaitwe, 8. Timothy Mugisha 9. Allan Olango 10. Roy Kizito, 11. Norbert Okeny, 12. Alex Aturinda.
Both the Lady Cranes and Rugby Cranes will be making their maiden appearances at the final qualification repechage tournament for men’s rugby sevens at the 2024 Olympics. The tournament will be hosted at the Stade Louis II in Monaco from June 21-23, 2024.
Uganda’s men’s side had to withdraw from the 2020 Olympics Repechage after members of the squad recorded positive COVID-19 test results on arrival in Monaco. This unfortunate event was further tainted by James Odongo, a member of the Sevens squad, who disappeared from the team hotel without a trace, never to return.
Lady Cranes fixtures (all times EAT):
Friday, 21st June
Uganda vs Jamaica – 3:12 p.m
Saturday, 22nd June
Uganda vs Paraguay – 12:12 p.m
Uganda vs Hong Kong China – 7:20 p.m
Rugby Cranes fixtures (all times EAT):
Friday, 21st June
Uganda vs Canada – 4:28 p.m
Saturday, 22nd June
Uganda vs Great Britain – 1:52 p.m
Uganda vs China – 6:28 p.m
Courtesy Photos
