The Uganda Rugby Cranes 15’s will be getting some Rugby action this year after the Victoria Cup was revived and Elgon Cup is back on track.

The Victoria Cup which consists of Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Zambia was last played in 2019, where Zimbabwe emerged Victor’s and has since not taken place due to Covid-19 and the tight Rugby Schedule for the participating countries in 2022.

This year’s edition will feature only 3 teams, Uganda, Kenya and Zambia and all the 3 fixtures shall hosted in Uganda. Zimbabwe will not participate due to a number of constraints and they sent in their apologies.

The fixture against Kenya shall also double as the first leg of the Elgon Cup with the return leg to be played in Kisumu on 11th November.

King’s Park Arena, the home of the 2023 double Champions the Stanbic Black Pirates shall host 2 fixtures whilst Kyadondo shall host the other.

Both Uganda’s games against Zambia on 28th October and Kenya on 5th November shall be played at King’s Park while the Kenya v Zambia game shall be played on 2nd November at Kyadondo.

The Ugandan team has been in camp for close to 4 week, as per the Uganda Rugby Union CEO Isaac Lutwama and they should good to go when the games kick start.

The team shall also get some more test Rugby as they will travel to Tunisia and play 2 games. This trip shall be for both the Men and the Women, who will be playing in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup (Pool B).

On the decision for Kings Park to host, the Local Organising Committee Chairperson Emmanuel Fudribo eluded that the Uganda Rugby Union is trying to get as many places as they can to host international games. Last year, the Women’s games were played at Wankulukuku and this year, Bugembe Stadium had been in contention though King’s Park was more ready.

The 15’s team is under the stewardship of Coach Fred Mudoola and Leonard Lubambula and the final squad shall be announced soon.

Ivan Magomu was the Captain the last time out in France and is expected to stay at the helm, as he’s one of the most capped and senior players on the team.