2017 Uganda Rugby Cranes Fixtures:Elgon Cup:
- Uganda Vs Kenya – 10th June
- Kenya Vs Uganda – 24th June
CAR (Rugby)
- Kenya Vs Uganda – 24th June
- Senegal Vs Uganda – 1st July
- Uganda Vs Tunisia – 15th July
- Uganda Vs Namibia – 22nd July
- Uganda Vs Zimbabwe – 5th August
If there is one man who believes in Ugandan rugby players, it is Rugby Cranes head coach John Duncan.
The South African, who returned to Uganda on March 30 to help the national team in preparing for the upcoming tier 1A series of games, revealed that his and the team’s target this year will be to top the group and win the Africa Cup.
A vigorous international fixture awaits the Rugby Cranes starting with the Elgon Cup against rivals Kenya on June 10.
The first leg of the usually highly contested duel will be hosted in Kampala with the return leg, which will also be the first game of the CAR fixtures, coming after a fortnight in Nairobi, Kenya.
With more games to be played in this year’s campaign, more players were summoned to start early preparations ahead of the competition.
While many are yet to turn up for the sessions because of tight work schedules, Duncan believes Uganda is gifted to have many players in the different positions.
“The cast of young players coming in is impressive and I have a variety of options to choose from,” Duncan said.
The biggest surprise of all is the return of veterans Tony Lugya and Scot Oluoch, who had taken a sabbatical for 4 and 1 year respectively, from national duty.
Serious training Since the end of the league season, the team has been training four times a week until and will intensify the sessions towards the first international fixture against Kenya on 10th June (Elgon Cup).
Trial games have also been organised to keep the team in shape ahead of the hectic calendar.
The players who have been on the national 7’s team have already joined the team since returning from the Hong Kong Sevens early April.
Kenya based full back Phillip Wokoroach is expected to join the team at a later date since the Kenyan league is still ongoing.
After the two games against Kenya, Uganda will lock horns against Senegal, Tunisia and Zimbabwe.
Betway Kobs prop and national team skipper Brian Odong believes the team has worked on all the areas that needed attention and will be gearing for top honours when the tournament kicks off.