Rugby Cranes Squad for Africa Cup Named

Rugby Cranes Coach Fred Mudoola has named his trusted 28-man squad ahead of the upcoming Rugby Africa Cup.

The Rugby Africa Cup 2024 kicks off in Kampala next week with the first matches on 20th July. It attracts eight of Africa’s premier nations in Rugby 15s and will be hosted at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, and Mutesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.

Fred Mudoola leads the Cranes into his third major tournament at the helm, with his first being a forgettable 2022 Africa Cup in France. However, the Cranes enter the 2024 edition riding high after winning the 2023 Victoria Cup at home.

Rugby Cranes team

Props:

The experienced Asuman Mugerwa and Santos Ssenteza look to add more Rugby Cranes caps. Kobs duo Mike Otto and Saul Kivumbi make the cut.

Hookers:

Since the retirement of stalwart Alex Mubiru, this position hasn’t always given a headache to national team coaches. However, Nathan Bwambale, Faragi Odugo, and Jude Jjuuko will look to replicate their league form at the tournament.

Locks:

Seasoned campaigners Charles Uhuru, Eliphaz Emong, and Robert Aziku have been selected. Hippos’ Julius Opio and Ram’s Brian Wandera look to add youth energy to the team.

Loose forwards:

Coach Mudoola has picked Byron Oketayot, Sydney Gongodyo, Moses Ziwa, and Mark Omoding. Additionally, Alex Aturinda joins the squad off a successful Africa 7s tournament in Mauritius.

Halfbacks:

Conrad Wanyama and Pool Kalungi will complement each other at scrumhalf. As for flyhalf, captain Ivan Magomu and Joseph Aredo have been selected.

Centers:

This has also been a challenge for coaches over the years. However, the technical team has made a bold decision trusting Innocent Gwokto and Jones Kamiza.

Outside backs:

Sevens stars Phillip Wokorach and Timothy Kisiga have been selected to beef up the 15s team. Arnold Ocen’s stellar season with Rhinos is rewarded as well as Joseph Oyet and Shakim Ssembuusi.

Reserves:

Edward Emiemu, Blair Ayebazibwe, Ebber Eturinde, Robin Odrua, Nicholas Kato, and Haruna Mohammed will be on standby.

Rugby Cranes ready for challenge

The Rugby Cranes have been in camp in Jinja since Thursday following their return from South Africa. While in South Africa, they played three practice games during their 10-day high-performance camp.

Coach Fred Mudoola acknowledged how tough a challenge it was to narrow down to just 28 players out of an immensely talented pool of 46.

“For the 28 selected, please put your hand up. For those that haven’t been selected, we still have the November tests. We are going to keep working.” said Fred Mudoola.