Uganda Rugby Cranes have named their matchday squad to face Côte d’Ivoire in a crucial 7th place playoff clash at the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup.
The match is set to kick off at 2:00 PM EAT on Saturday at Namboole Stadium a must-win fixture to avoid relegation from the top tier of African rugby.
Uganda Rugby Africa 2025 Campaign
After suffering back-to-back defeats first in a high-intensity East African derby against Kenya 32-24, then falling to Morocco 24-12 in the 5th place semifinal Uganda’s hopes of salvaging their campaign now rest on Saturday’s relegation showdown against Côte d’Ivoire.
The Cranes squad has Saul Kivumbi starting at loosehead prop, Edward Emiemu at hooker, and Collin Kimbowa at tighthead to anchor the front row.
The second row sees the combination of Emong Eliphaz and Julius Opio, while the back row features Alex Aturinda and captain Byron Oketayot on the flanks, with Pius Ogena taking charge at number 8.
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In the halfback pairing, Aaron Oforywroth starts at scrumhalf, partnering Liam Walker at flyhalf.
The midfield pairing has Aredo Joseoph and Munyani Ian Arnold with Kisiga Timothy and Philip Wokorach being on the wings and Adrian Kasito is at fullback.
The match Originally slated for a 10:00 AM kickoff, the match was rescheduled to 2:00 PM.
Uganda Rugby Cranes Squad vs Côte d’Ivoire
Starting XV:
1. Saul Kivumbi
2. Edward Emiemu
3. Collin Kimbowa
4. Emong Eliphaz
5. Julius Opio
6. Alex Aturinda
7. Byron Oketayot (C)
8. Pius Ogena
9. Aaron Oforywroth
10. Liam Walker
11. Kisiga Timothy
12. Aredo Joseph
13. Munyani Ian Arnold
14. Philip Wokorach
15. Adrian Kasito
Replacements:
16. Nathan Bwambale
17. Santos Ssenteza
18. Fahad Maido
19. Brian Wandera
20. Desire Ayera
21. Conrad Wanyama (VC)
22. William Nkore
23. Shakim Ssembusi
