Uganda Rugby Sevens has been crowned the Rugby Africa Sevens champions, securing a dramatic victory over South Africa in the final held at Labourdonnais Sports Club. The thrilling match ended 20-15 in favor of Uganda, thanks to an extra-time try by tournament MVP Aaron Ofoywroth.
Uganda’s Rugby Cranes took an early lead, 10-0, in the first half with tries from Denis Etwau and Alex Aturinda. South Africa responded with a try of their own, but Etwau’s second try just before halftime put Uganda ahead 15-5. The second half saw South Africa dominate, scoring two tries and converting one to take a 17-15 lead. However, Ofoywroth’s last-minute heroics secured Uganda’s victory in the dying moments of the game.
This victory marks Uganda’s fourth continental sevens crown, having previously triumphed in 2016 (Nairobi), 2017, and 2022 (both in Kampala). Key players like Philip Wokorach and Adrian Kasito, along with head coach Tolbert Onyango, have been instrumental in all four title wins.
By reaching the semifinal in the second leg of the tournament, Uganda has also earned a spot in the 2025 Challenger Series, setting their sights on the 2026 Main HSBC Sevens Series.
Attention now shifts to the Africa 15s tournament, which will be hosted in Kampala at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, in less than two weeks. Under coach Tolbert Onyango’s leadership, Uganda claimed the 2024 Rugby Africa Sevens title, a tournament held over two legs for the first time. Victories against Madagascar and South Africa in the finals of each leg cemented their dominance.
In a stunning semifinal match against Zimbabwe, Uganda’s 24-7 win ensured they secured the championship before the final match. Despite already clinching the title, Uganda continued their winning streak, defeating South Africa in the final. Etwau’s two tries, along with tries from Aturinda and Ofoywroth, highlighted Uganda’s commanding performance.
The atmosphere in Mauritius was electric, with celebrations reaching a peak as Bobi Wine’s hit song ‘Bad Man from Kamwokya’ played. Uganda topped the standings with 40 points, six points ahead of South Africa and Madagascar, both finishing with 34 points.
This triumph at Labourdonnais Sports Grounds in Mauritius not only marks Uganda’s fourth African Championship title but also secures their place in the 2025 World Challenger Series.
About Guide2Uganda
Guide2Uganda (www.guide2uganda.ug) is the most comprehensive source of travel information about Uganda that exists on the web, with more content on its cities & towns, accommodation, attractions, events, museums and galleries than any other online guide that currently exists for Uganda; as well as being a dynamic travel news and events driven site with fresh content added daily.
According to WeFollow & Peer Index (that measure online influence), we are among the most influential online media organizations in Uganda. Guide2Uganda was also awarded ‘’Best Destination Website in Uganda’’ by Jumia Travel Uganda in the 2018 Africa Travel Awards.
Share your travel stories & photos with the world via email: info@guide2uganda.ug
