Rugby Cranes in USA for World Cup stage
UBL’s Juliana Kaggwa handing over the kit to the 16-man contingent. Photo by Eddie chicco
KAMPALA- The Rugby Cranes checked out at Entebbe International Airport in the wee hours of Sunday morning for San Francisco, USA where they will debut at the seventh edition of the Rugby Sevens World Cup July 20-22, at the iconic AT&T Arena.
Uganda’s 16-man contingent, against the world`s best in rugby`s shortest code will open with a tie against Samoa on Saturday. It comprises of 12 players, coach Tolbert Onyango, team manager Michael Wandera, doctor Noah Kayondo and strength and conditioning coach Ninette Kruyt. During their send-off dinner organized by official sponsors Guinness and partners at Sports Arena Bar and Restaurant, the players could not hide their delight of playing at such a stage but ruled out any stage fright.
Captain Michael Wokorach, also stressed they would love to be more than a statistic and leave a mark.
“Representing your country and playing against the world’s best players would excite anyone but it’s not enough, getting good results will also give us satisfaction,” Wokorach told Daily Monitor.
If Uganda find their way past 2010 World Rugby Sevens Series Samoa champions, another former World Sevens Series winner awaits them in England.
Double African champions, Uganda, are seeded 20 above Zimbabwe, Papa New Guinea, Tonga and Jamaica. Having played in over ten international tournaments in the last two years, the crop has garnered some experience to guide them at the prestigious Melrose Cup.
