Rugby Cranes draw Kobs in 7s circuit opener

Pool A: Impis, S’kamp, Rhino, Mbale Elephants
Pool B: Heathens, Nile, KK Stallion, Mongers
Pool C: Kobs, Mongers, Gulu Elephants, Rugby Cranes
Pool D: Pirates, Buffaloes, Lira Bulls, Rams

Rugby Cranes first major hurdle in the Hima 7s circuit will come in utl Kobs during the opener in Entebbe this Saturday. The draw released during a media briefing at Uganda Rugby Union (URU) offices in Lugogo yesterday pooled the national team with the three-time national 7s champions in pool C. With Uganda set to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India next month, this is the only chance for coach John Musoke to gauge his 7s team.

“Much as there is cash at stake, we hope the clubs will understand that there is a national cause. The team needs to gel before the games,” URU chairman William Blick said. Hosts, Entebbe Mongers are also in the same pool which is easily billed at the ‘group of death’ for the first leg of the four-legged series. MTN Heathens, winners of seven of the last 10 titles, have Nile, KK Stallion and Mongers II in pool B.
Last year’s runners-up Makerere Impis are the top seed in pool A that also has Summerkamp, Rhino and Mbale Elephants. G4S Pirates, Toyota Buffaloes, Lira Bulls and Rams complete the 16-team log in pool D.

AON, MTN, Stanbic Bank, Nile Breweries, UAP Insurance, SDV Transami and AAR contributed Shs10m to the circuit to aid Hima Cement’s Shs40m. After Entebbe, the circuit moves to Makerere, Kampala and winds downs at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on September 25.