Rugby Cranes assistant coach Leonard Lubambula says the just-concluded tour of Southern Africa wasn’t about chasing wins but strengthening the squad ahead of the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup.
Speaking on arrival at Entebbe International Airport, Lubambula praised the team’s spirit, saying the matches against Namibia, Limpopo Blue Bulls, and Pumas were key in testing Uganda’s depth and building chemistry.
“We are happy to be back home. The weather here is good as opposed to Southern Africa,” he said.
Uganda played three matches during the two-week tour — narrowly losing 22-19 to Namibia, defeating Limpopo Blue Bulls 57-26, then falling 102-00 to Currie Cup side Pumas. Despite the heavy defeat in the final game, Lubambula remained upbeat.
“The goal was not the scoreline but to see how the team performs,” he said. “We are happy with how the boys dug deep and fought.”
The assistant coach also noted the growing bond among the players. “We are also happy with the team chemistry. The boys have been very good together,” he added.
The Rugby Cranes are now entering the final stretch of preparations for the Rugby Africa Cup, which Uganda will host at Mandela National Stadium from July 8 to 19. Thirty-four players took part in the tour, but only twenty-eight will be selected for the tournament.
“Now we are back, we continue the preparations for the Rugby Africa Cup,” Lubambula said, adding that the team is focused and ready to represent Uganda on home soil.
