Michael Wokorach has, yet again, announced his retirement from active competitive rugby.
Wokorach, arguably one of Uganda’s greatest rugby players of all time, initially hinted on the decision in a cryptic Twitter/X post on Monday night before following it up with a second post on Tuesday morning.
“Wearing the jersey was never a right; it was a privilege every single time. As I close this chapter, I leave the game knowing it has shaped me far beyond the field,” Wokorach posted at 9.21 a.m. EAT on his Twitter/X page.
Wearing the jersey was never a right; it was a privilege every single time. As I close this chapter, I leave the game knowing it has shaped me far beyond the field. pic.twitter.com/Nni0Bz3WK4
— Wokorach Micheal (@Michealrach) December 16, 2025
This is the third time Wokorach has announced an end to his rugby career. Earlier instances, for example in 2019, were from the test (XVs) Rugby Cranes fold to which he returned in 2021 and played for two more years.
And in 2023 when he said bye to the 7s setup and he did not look back. But he stayed active with his club Heathens and the touring Uganda Rugby Legends franchise.
What makes this feel more certain is the fact that he has organised a testimonial match set to be played at Kyadondo Rugby Club this Saturday.
Dubbed “Gonya’s Last Run”, the testimonial match will feature some of his closest teammates and fiercest opponents at both local (club) and international (country) levels. It will be played between “Team Gonya” and the “UG All Stars” select side.
Wokorach hangs up his boots after eighteen years of playing rugby at the very tip of Uganda’s pyramid.
Still in high school, he made his club debut with Buffaloes in 2007 before crossing to Heathens the following year.
His international career started in 2008 at the Rugby Africa 7s (Rugby World Cup 7s 2009 qualifier) in Tunisia. His test debut came against Kenya in Nairobi in August 2009 during the Elgon Cup.
Wokorach retires having won every local club competition; national premier league/premiership/championship, national 7s series and the Uganda Cup. With the Rugby Cranes, he clinched the Elgon Cup and multiple Rugby Africa 7s titles plus raking up several international 7s tours including two Rugby World Cups.
Wokorach was a towering figure on the pitch. He played in the midfield at the peak of his career and finished at the backrow. He was known for his famous bump off that left defenders on their backsides. That’s where the “Gonya” nickname is said to have come from because he devoured his opponents like a crocodile.
His signature head gear would come off after the final whistle to reveal a smooth round haircut. He carried himself with the aura of a man in charge and spoke to the media with a strong voice.
There are few fans who have watched and followed the sport from before Wokorach pulled up to the scene. Now the post-Wokorach era begins with lots of memories and anecdotes of a great rugby player.
