The Uganda Cranes 15s have named a 29-man squad for their upcoming tour of South Africa, where they will play a series of matches in preparation for the Rugby Africa Cup.
The squad, led by captain Ivan Magomu, includes regulars Saul Kivumbi, Charles Uhuru, Mark Omoding, Thomas Gwokto, Joseph Oyet, Jacob Ochen, and Joseph Aredo.
Uganda Cranes 15s squad compositions
Joining them are Robert Aziku, Brian Wandera, Haruna Muhammed, Frank Kidega, and Moses Zziwa, all selected by head coach Frank Mudoola.
Uganda Cranes in a past training session. PHOTO/Uganda Cranes.
These 29 players (15 forwards, 14 backs) will join seven others who have been in South Africa for a three-month high-performance training camp.
During their tour, Uganda will play their first match on June 29, 2024, against Limpopo Country Districts XV in Modimolle (Nylstroom H/S).
They will face Supa Barbarians in Johannesburg (Pirates Rugby Club) on July 2, 2024, and their final match will be against Loftus 200 in Pretoria (Harlequin Rugby Club) on July 5, 2024.
“The Uganda Rugby Union (URU) received an invitation from Harlequins Rugby Club, a member club of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union (BBRU), under the Memorandum of Understanding signed between URU and BBRU for a Tour of South Africa to play three test games in preparation for the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup,” confirmed URU.
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National Council of Sports Assistant General Secretary Administration Francis Oluga flagged off the Uganda Rugby Cranes XVs team traveling to Pretoria.
Speaking at the flag-off, Oluga commended the URU and the Blue Bulls Rugby Union for their historic partnership and praised the efforts of URU in preparing the team.
He wished the team all the best in South Africa and encouraged them to remain focused on their ultimate goal of winning the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup.
Uganda Cranes. PHOTO/URU
URU Vice President Commercial, Andrew Ojok Oulanya, provided more details about the URU-Blue Bulls deal.
“The Memorandum of Understanding signed by these two Unions has heralded a partnership geared towards high-performance, upskilling of coaches and players, and has allowed Ugandan Rugby to learn from one of the best Unions in the world, known for developing and producing some of the best talent in South African Rugby and the world,” he stated.
Uganda Cranes 15s travelling squad
1. Blair Ayebazibwe
2. Steve Masendi
3. Saul Kivumbi
4. Ebber Aturinde
5. Edward Emiemu
6. Nathan Asiimire Bwambale
7. Jude Jjuuko
8. Julius Opio
9. Robert Aziku
10. Charles Uhuru
11. Brian Wandera
12. Frank Kidega
13. Moses Zziwa
14. Mark Omoding
15. Ivan Odoch
Backs
16. Nicholas Kato
17. Wilfred Kalungi Pool
18. Ivan Magomu
19. Daniel Gizamba Alvin
20. Joseph Aredo Jadwong
21. Alhaji Manano
22. Jones Ndoboli
23. Thomas Gwokto
24. Haruna Muhammed
25. Shakim Ssembusi
26. Joseph Oyet
27. Philip Odrua Robin
28. Jacob Ochen
29. Jones Ocen
