Excitement builds ahead of Webb Ellis Trophy tour

The Uganda Rugby Cranes have never qualified for the World Cup so, they have certainly never won it.

Whereas the Uganda 7s team has been to two World Cups, their brothers in the 15s code are still in search of a first appearance.

But with Uganda hosting the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, which doubles as the qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World up, the hopes are high amongst Ugandan rugby lovers.

Winning the Africa Cup on home soil would be enough to send Uganda to the global showpiece in Australia.

And if the team needed any motivation, the World Cup trophy, known as the Webb Ellis Cup, will be in Uganda this week.

Currently held by South Africa, the trophy is expected to touch down at Entebbe on July 6 before a planned tour in Uganda.

And in preparation for the activities and the Africa Cup, a delegation from the Uganda Rugby Union and Nile Breweries visited the South African High Commission in Kampala on Monday.

The delegation was received by Solly Sebola, the Acting Head of Mission at the South African High Commission in Uganda.

The visit highlighted the close ties between Uganda and South Africa in the world of rugby, especially as Uganda prepares to host both the continental tournament and the prestigious Webb Ellis Cup. 

“Working closely with the South African High Commission is so important because South Africa are not only the reigning Rugby World Cup champions but also a huge inspiration to us,” URU CEO Isaac Lutwama said.

He added: “The Webb Ellis Cup’s presence here will motivate our players and fans as we fight for our place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup alongside them. We are thankful to Nile Special for their continued support and belief in our dream. Together, we want to show that Ugandan rugby can reach the world stage.” 

South Africa, who are the current holders of the Webb Ellis Cup after their victory in France in 2023, have already secured their spot at the next World Cup. 

Solly Sebola welcomed the teams and partners, reaffirming South Africa’s pride in sharing this historic moment with Uganda.

He said: “We are honoured to host this delegation as Uganda prepares to host this very important Rugby tournament. South Africa is proud to hold the Webb Ellis Cup after winning the Rugby World Cup in France in 2023. Bringing the Cup here gives hope and inspiration to everyone who loves rugby. We wish Uganda the best in the Rugby Africa Cup, and we hope to see them in Australia in 2027 standing beside South Africa as Africa’s representatives.” 

With the Africa Cup set to take place from July 8 to 20, 2025 and featuring eight top African rugby nations, the stakes are high.

Zimbabwe (2024 champions), Uganda (hosts), Namibia, Kenya, Algeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Morocco are the African countries with a shot at the 2027 World Cup.

The competition will follow a knockout format, starting at the quarterfinal stage.

Uganda, who won the Africa Cup in 2007, will kick off their campaign against regional rivals Kenya.

Whereas the winner of the Africa Cup will automatically qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, the runner-up will proceed to a repechage match against runners-up from Asia — also to be hosted in Uganda — for a chance to reach the final global repechage and claim the last qualification spot.

Wangechi Gitahi, Head of Marketing at Nile Breweries, said, “Nile Special has always been the number one fan of Ugandan Rugby, and this visit means a lot to our journey of helping our teams achieve big dreams.

We know how important it is for our players to see that South Africa, the current holders of the Webb Ellis Cup, are backing this journey too. The Rugby Africa Cup is our chance to qualify for the Rugby World Cup and stand with the best. We believe in the players, the fans, and the gold spirit that brings us together every match day.”

As the Webb Ellis Cup goes on tour in Uganda, fans will have the rare chance to celebrate rugby’s highest prize, while rallying behind the national team in their quest to qualify for the World Cup.