Rugby Sevens Head Coach Tolbert Onyango said focus is on ensuring all the players within the national team set up gain exposure at the top level as he summonmed a largely youthful side for the HSBC Challenger Series due next weekend in Munich, Germany.
The side is captained by William Nkore with Alex Aturinda and Norbert Okeny as vice-captains. The other players summoned include; Mubarak Wandera, Karim Arinaitwe, Mark Osuna, Denis Etwau, Davis Shimwa, Allan Olweny Olango, Aaron Tukei, Roy Kizito and Timothy Mugisha.
With the side currently eighth on the overall standings having finished sixth and ninth at the Uruguay and Dubai 7s, respectively earlier this year, the aim is to offer key experience against top sides for the young players.
“We promised all the players they would have a chance to represent the country in the Challenger series and the opportunity has come for these players to showcase their best performances,” Onyango stated.
“It’s opportunities like these that reveal the next stars of the side. We have 21 players in the squad and each of them is capable of representing the country,” he added.
Captain William Nkore reflected on his role as the head of the team, saying, “It’s an opportunity for me to lead the team and inspire the boys. Playing in more tournaments makes the team better and we going there to win it and give the young players a chance to better their skills.”
Uganda will face Hong Kong China, Mexico and 2023 challenger champions Tonga in Pool B.
