09 July 2021 | Rugby

• 2021 Rugby Africa Cup (Pool C) – Kampala, Uganda
• Saturday, July 10: Uganda vs. Ghana – 3:00pm, Kyadondo Rugby Club

Uganda’s 23-man team for the Rugby Africa Cup Pool C opening tie against Ghana Eagles has been named.

The squad includes three debutants one of whom, Kelvin Balagadde, will start at the blindside flank. Mark Omoding who plies plays for Kenya Harlequin and Heathens’ Claude Otema are the other two freshmen.

Santos Senteza will partner with Brian Odongo for an experienced front-row that has the rising hooker Faraji Odugo while Robert Aziku and Eliphaz Emong lock out the second row. The entire backrow is made up of National Sevens players in Balagadde, Byron Oketayot, and Desire Ayera.

Paul Epilo and Ivan Magomu are the halfback pairing while club teammates Pius Ogena and Justin Kimono will combine in the midfield. The backfield will be manned by Daudi Semwami, Solomon Okia, and Adrian Kasito.

Coaches Brian Makalama and Robert Musinguzi have opted for a 5-3 split among the reserves. Saul Kivumbi, Collins Kimbowa, and Ronald Kanyanya will certainly be coming off the bench for the front row while Aaron Ofoywroth will provide cover for the halfbacks.

The match, and the rest that will be played during this tournament, will be broadcast live on Kawowo Sports YouTube channel.

Uganda 23-man Squad (* for debutants)

Forwards: 1 Santos Senteza, 2 Faraji Odugo, 3 Brian Odongo (vice-captain), 4 Robert Aziku, 5 Eliphaz Emong, 6 Kelvin Balagadde*, 7 Byron Oketayot, 8 Desire Ayera.

Backs: 9 Paul Epillo (vice-captain), 10 Ivan Magomu (captain), 11 Daudi Semwami, 12 Pius Ogena, 13 Justin Kimono, 14 Solomon Okia, 15 Adrian Kasito.

Reserves: 16 Ronald Kanyanya, 17 Saul Kivumbi, 18 Collins Kimbowa, 19 Jacob Ochen, 20 Mark Omoding*, 21 Aaron Ofoywroth, 22 Maxwell Ebonga, 23 Claude Otema*.

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