Oluoch back in Cranes fold

Rugby Cranes players Michael Wokorach, Eric Kasiita, Asuman Mugerwa and Brian Odongo. PHOTO by Eddie Chicco

What you need to know:

Oluoch’s call up has been welcomed by both the Cranes’ captain Brian Odongo and his vice Michael Wokorach who have highlighted the significance of his inclusion

KAMPALA.

With the Nile Special Rugby Premiership coming to an end this weekend, the local governing body, Uganda Rugby Union has not wasted any time in switching attention to the Rugby Cranes that has a busy calendar which will see them play six games this year.

The Rugby Cranes play Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Senegal, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya twice and in an effort to put together the most efficient of sides, veteran forward Scot Oluoch alongside Stone Lugya has been recalled to the side after opting out last year.

Oluoch’s call up has been welcomed by both the Cranes’ captain Brian Odongo and his vice Michael Wokorach who have highlighted the significance of his inclusion.

“We are going to play many games which will require experience and he (Oluoch) has been there before, his presence will add a lot to the team,” Wokorach told Daily Monitor at Legends Rugby Club during the unveiling of the new Cranes kit by Nile Special. Odongo also stated how the side will need a big number of players to sail through the international calendar.

He is a player who can help the young ones adapt to different conditions,” added Odongo.

A group of 59 players has been summoned for Cranes training with preparations gearing up starting next week. Coach Robert Seguya will conduct four sessions per week and according to team manager Emmanuel Baine, all players in camp are equally important.

“Chances are high that every player will have a part to play because of the number of games and the long distances we shall be travelling, all that comes with fatigue and yo u cannot rule out injuries too,” he reasoned.

On unveiling both the home and away new Cranes jerseys, Nile`s Hooper Mbabazi, confirmed that Nile Special would increase its support to Cranes by 40 percent.

“Because of the increased number of games, we are going to increase our package to Cranes by 40 percent to help them achieve success in what looks like a long campaign,” he said.