The Uganda Rugby Sevens Cranes are set to step up their preparations for the defense of the Africa 7s crown.
The Rugby 7s will, in a trial game, square off against the Kenya Shujaa at the prestigious St. Andrews, Turi in Nakuru.
The Kenya Shujaa, second runners-up from 2022, have been drawn in Pool B alongside Zambia, Namibia, and Nigeria. Uganda defeated Kenya in semifinals of the 2022 Africa 7s Cup before going on to win it.
The team has had to canvass Nakuru without the services of skipper Ian Munyani who has been held back in the country due to dire professional demands that needed his attention.
Be that as it may, Ian will join the team before they embark on the journey of the title defense.
The 2023 Africa Men’s 7s games are scheduled to take place in Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club from 16th to 17th September.
Uganda will meet with Zimbabwe, whom they dispatched on the road to winning the 2022 Men’s Africa 7s in Kampala.
Still in Pool C, Uganda will also face Burkina Faso, whom they baptized 50-00 in the group stages of the 2022 Africa 7s, before lining up against a stubborn Algerian outfit with the hope of securing Olympic representation.
Uganda defeated Zimbabwe 28-00 in the final thanks to tries from Timothy Kisiga(2), Michael Wokorach, and Ian Munyani, all converted by the reliable Philip Wokorach.
A list of 22 players was summoned for this squad and stood down from participating in the local Sevens series.
The summon saw a return of the hard-running Pius Ogena to the national ranks for the first time in more than two years, and Isaac Massa’s return from injury.
Michael Wokorach is transitioning away from the national team, as we saw him hand over the Captain’s reigns to Ian Munyani, and Timothy Kisiga is away from this team owing to professional demands.
National 7s Squad:
- Ian Munyani (Kobs)
Alex Aturinda (Stanbic Black Pirates)
Allan Olango (Rhinos)
Mubarak Wandera (Stanbic Black Pirates)
Byron Oketayot (Kobs)
Timothy Mugisha (Jinja Hippos)
Adrian Kasito (Kobs)
Aaron Ofoyrworth (Platinum Credit Heathens)
Aaron Tukei (Toyota Buffaloes)
William Nkore (Stanbic Black Pirates)
Karim Arinaitwe (Kobs)
Phillip Wokorach (ASBC)
Nobert Okeny (Platinum Credit Heathens)
Denis Etwau (Jinja Hippos)
Mark Osuna (Kobs)
Faragi Odugo (Kobs)
Pius Ogena (Kobs)
Davis Shimwa (Rhinos)
Isaac Massanganzira (Stanbic Black Pirates)
William Lukwago (Plascon Mongers)
Roy Kizito (Impis)
Aziz Bagalana (Jinja Hippos)
Courtesy Photos
