Wokorach headlines final squad for Rugby Africa Cup

Fullback Philip Wokorach is returning to the limelight as he leads Rugby Cranes XVs final 28-man squad named for the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup that kicks off next week at Namboole.  

Wokorach, who is fresh from lighting up the India Rugby Premier League with his flair and trademark footwork, is expected to be a central figure in Uganda’s push for a maiden Rugby World Cup place. 

Head coach Fred Mudoola unveiled the squad yesterday morning after a rigorous Southern Africa tour and test matches.

The preparations included matches that yielded mixed results: a narrow 22-19 loss to Namibia, a commanding 57-26 win over Limpopo Blue Bulls and a humbling 102-0 defeat to the Pumas.

Despite the setback, assistant coach Leo Lubambula emphasized the positives. 

“The scoreboard wasn’t everything. The cohesion and mental resilience the boys showed was encouraging. The group is focused and ready,” Lubambula said upon arrival at Entebbe on Sunday. 

This year’s Rugby Africa Cup doubles as Africa’s qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia with only the winner earning a direct ticket.

The runner-up advances to the global repechage which will also take place at Namboole. Byron Oketayot will continue as the team’s captain, supported by experienced vice-captains Frank Kidega and Conrad Wanyama.

Veterans like Joseph Aredo, Santos Senteza and Collins Kimbowa are expected to offer stability across the park while young guns Fahad Maido (Jinja Hippos), Blair Ayebazibwe (KOBs) and Edward Emiemu (Walukuba Barbarians) are set for their tournament debuts in the forward pack. Rising backs William Nkore and Isaac Massanganzira also make the cut. 

Another notable inclusion to the team is Alex Aturinda, who is fresh from captaining Rugby Cranes Sevens team at the Africa Sevens in Mauritius.

The Rugby Cranes will open their campaign with a mouth-watering clash against Kenya on July 8 in what promises to be one of the fiercest fixtures of the tournament’s opening round.

Rugby Africa Cup  

Match Day One  Quarterfinals - Tuesday, July 8

 Zimbabwe vs. Morocco – 10am
Madagascar vs. Mauritius – 12pm
Namibia vs. Senegal – 2pm
Kenya vs. Uganda – 4pm
 

Rugby Cranes XVs team for Rugby Africa Cup
 

Forward players; Bwambale Nathan Asiimire, Edward Emiemu, Ssenteza Wycliff Santos, Ayebazibwe Blair, Kivumbi Saul, Kimbowa Collin, Maido Fahad, Emong Eliphaz, Opio Julius, Gongodyo Sydney, Wandera Brian, Oketayot Byron, Kidega Frank, Ogena Pius, Desire Ayera, Aturinda Alex. 
 

Backline players: Conrad Wanyama Wandera, Ofoywroth Aaron, Kasito Adrian, Joseph Aredo, Liam Walker Christopher, Ampeirwe William Nkore, Munyani Ian, Massanganzira Isaac, Wokorach Philip, Otema Ivan, Ssembusi Shakim, Timothy Kisiga.