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A 28-member squad of the Rugby Cranes has been unveiled for the upcoming Victoria Cup and Elgon Cup. Ivan Magomu will captain the team, which includes several debutants. The Rugby Cranes are returning to 15s rugby after a four-year gap and are eagerly preparing for the matches against Zambia and Kenya.

The Rugby Cranes have officially announced a 28-member squad that will participate in both the Victoria Cup and the Elgon Cup, set to commence next weekend.

Uganda is slated to face off against Zambia and Kenya in the Victoria Cup, with the encounter between Uganda and Kenya also serving as the Elgon Cup match.

Coach Fred Mudoola and his leadership team have meticulously selected players that blend experience with youthful talent, albeit acknowledging the arduous nature of their decision-making process.

Mr. Mudoola stated, “Assembling this team was an immense challenge due to the prolonged absence of 15-a-side rugby, which has been overshadowed by sevens. Our emotions are mixed because we are genuinely enthusiastic, but the lack of recent home matches in nearly four years makes us uncertain. However, as the saying goes, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Leading the team as captain is Ivan Magomu from the Pirates, who will be supported by Vice-Captains Byron Oketayot and Conrad Wanyama.

The Rugby Cranes have diligently prepared during an extended training camp of over a month and are eager to engage in test matches after a considerable period without hosting any matches on home soil. The last instance of 15-a-side rugby was observed during the World Cup qualification tournament in France last year.

Notably, the squad introduces seven debutants, including Jude Jjuko, Ivan Kabagambe, Sydney Gongodyo, Frank Kidega, Nicholas Kato, Liam Walker, and Timothy Kisiga.

The squad comprises the following players: Faragi Odugo, Nathan Bwambale, Jude Jjuko, Santos Senteza, Ivan Kabagambe, Collins Kimbowa, Charles Uhuru, Robert Aziku, Eliphaz Emong, Joachim Chisano, Mark Omoding, Sydney Gongodyo, Frank Kidega, Nicholas Kato, Liam Walker, Eric Mula, Thomas Gwokto, Alhaji Manano, Micheal Wokorach, Timothy Kisiga, Shakim Ssembusi, Jacob Ochen, Joseph Oyet, Asuman Mugerwa, Byron Oketayot, Conrad Wanyama, and Ivan Magomu.