Uganda could host U-20 Barthes Trophy after ban

Back. The last Baby Cranes side lining up against Madagascar at the Island in 2016. They return next year after serving a ban. COURTESY PHOTO

KAMPALA. After serving a two-year ban for failing to send a full 23-man squad in 2016 for the preliminary Junior Rugby World Cup Trophy qualifying tournament in Madagascar, Uganda have the chance to bounce back as hosts for next year’s edition.

Uganda sent only 16 players to take on Madagascar despite Africa Rugby being in position to cater for costs for both travel and accommodation for a full strength squad of 23 players. The hiccup was later credited to the rest of the players having passport or birth certificate issues. The continent’s rugby governing body would later slap a fine of about Shs17.9m ($5,000) on top of a two-year ban.

The side, seven players short, lost 36-6 and 48-0 in two legs with Brian Makalama and Dennis Etuket as coaches.

The losses saw the Rugby Baby Cranes stuck in the third tier. Uganda, Algeria, Zambia and Ghana will vie for Silver Cup promotion and the good news is that the hosting rights are up for grabs. All four sides have until January 15 to submit bids to host.
“The first tournament scheduled for 2019 is the U20 Barthes Trophy that will take place between 25 March and April 14 in three Pools. Venues for the events are yet to be announced as participation Unions have till January 15 to put in a tender to host,” reads a statement from Africa Rugby.

The return of the category is more than welcome as it gives the coaches a platform to groom the next Rugby Cranes stars. Uganda last hosted such a tourney in 2014 when the Baby Cranes gained top tier promotion. Current Cranes stars like Ivan Magomu, Pius Ogena, Byron Oketayot and Phillip Wokorach have all represented Uganda at that level.