RUGBY: Uganda Women Make Top Four Cut In 7s Challenger Dubai

Posted by: Eninu William in Rugby January 15, 2024

The World Rugby has adjusted and relaxed the requirements for nations in the Sevens Challenger to gain core status for the SVNS Series. In 2024, just making the top four will be enough to join the big boys and girls.

Uganda Women, on the first attempt during the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 in Dubai, achieved that milestone.

Now, despite China ending Uganda’s dream run in the Semifinals and relegating the team to the Bronze Medal match, the job in Dubai had already been done.

Uganda lost the Bronze Medal to Argentina by 45-05 points. They concluded their campaign with two wins out of six matches played.

This gallant effort earned the team valuable points that will count towards booking a ticket to the final qualification tournament in Madrid later in May.

On the other hand, the Uganda Men fell below-expected standards when they fought for ninth place in the men’s competition.

However, they have saved their bacon in Dubai by winning the placement final, 27-17, against Portugal.The match started the same way Uganda had played their weekend. First on the back foot and then fighting back until the end.

Portugal struck first under one minute through Jose Santos from a turnover. Then they added a second in the corner after a long build-up to double their lead to 12-00.

Uganda pulled back in the last minute of the first half. First, through Adrian Kasito who scored under the uprights from a little chip and chase. And then from a sweet restart routine to contest and win back possession which put Alex Aturinda on the path for an equaliser. It was all square at the break at 12-all.

Uganda began the second half in high gear and camped in Portugal’s half for three minutes. This is until their efforts were rewarded with Kasito’s second try in the corner.

They continued to pile on pressure as they starved Portugal of the ball. Etwau was at the end of a set piece routine to stretch the lead further to 22-12.

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