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Ruggers handed Shs100m for African Games triumph

Ruggers handed Shs100m for African Games triumph

Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-04-01 16:00:00

After the 13th African Games, many teams returned to Uganda with quiet receptions, lacking immediate financial rewards for the players and officials. All they received was their per diem from the National Council of Sports (NCS) and perhaps some glittering medals. However, for the rugby teams, the experience was different, thanks to the support of Nile Breweries Limited through their Nile Special brand.

The Uganda Rugby Union (URU) has been instrumental in securing financial backing for the rugby teams, unlike other sports federations. The gold medals won by the Rugby Cranes 7s and Lady Cranes 7s in Accra, Ghana, earned each team a bonus of Shs50m. The government chief whip, Hamson Obua, presented the dummy cheques at a welcome dinner hosted by URU at Velocity Lounge in Kyanja.

“It’s always good to be recognized. It pushes you to want to do more,” said Lady Cranes 7s player Peace Lekuru, reflecting on the significance of financial bonuses for athletes. This is not the first time national sevens rugby players have received financial rewards for their achievements. In 2022, the men received Shs58m for winning the Africa Sevens tournament, while the women received Shs10m for finishing third.

The respective coaches, Charles Onen for the women’s team and Tolbert Onyango for the men’s team, were pleased with the bonuses but also mindful of the challenges ahead. This year is already shaping up to be one of the busiest for the sevens rugby teams, with multiple tournaments lined up.

Having already participated in the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series in Dubai and Montevideo, the teams are gearing up for the upcoming legs in Poland and Germany. The Lady Cranes 7s have the opportunity to qualify for the Grand Finale of the Challenger Series in Madrid, Spain, while the men are focused on their performance.

Following the Challenger Series, both teams will travel to Monaco for the Paris 2024 Olympic qualification tournaments. Additionally, the Africa Sevens tournament in Mauritius is scheduled for September, followed by the annual Kenya Safari Sevens in Nairobi.

The success of Uganda’s rugby teams highlights the importance of financial support and recognition for athletes. Through partnerships with corporate sponsors like Nile Breweries Limited, URU has been able to provide its teams with the resources they need to compete at a high level. As the teams continue to excel on the international stage, they serve as a source of pride and inspiration for the entire nation.

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