In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the Uganda Rugby Sevens team emerged as the Rugby Africa Sevens champions, defeating South Africa 20-15 in a nail-biting final at Labourdonnais Sports Club. The decisive moment came in extra time when tournament MVP Aaron Ofoywroth scored the winning try, sealing Uganda’s victory and their fourth continental crown.
The Rugby Cranes took an early lead with a 10-0 advantage, courtesy of tries from Denis Etwau and Alex Aturinda. Although South Africa managed to respond with a try of their own, Uganda extended their lead to 15-5 just before halftime, thanks to another try from Etwau.
The second half saw South Africa dominate much of the play, scoring two tries and converting one to edge ahead with a 17-15 lead. However, Ofoywroth’s brilliant performance in the final moments ensured Uganda’s triumph, as he delivered the winning try with the clock ticking down.
This victory in Mauritius adds to Uganda’s previous successes in 2016 (Nairobi), 2017, and 2022 (both in Kampala). Key players Philip Wokorach and Adrian Kasito, alongside head coach Tolbert Onyango, have been instrumental in all four championship wins.
By reaching the semifinals of Round Two, Uganda secured a spot in the 2025 Challenger Series, offering a pathway to the 2026 Main HSBC Sevens Series.
Attention now turns to the upcoming Africa 15s tournament, set to be hosted in Kampala at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, in less than two weeks. The Uganda Sevens’ victory in Mauritius was particularly significant as the 2024 Rugby Africa Sevens was played over two legs for the first time. Uganda defeated Madagascar and South Africa in their respective finals, showcasing their dominance throughout the tournament.
In the semifinals, Uganda secured the title even before the final match by defeating Zimbabwe 24-7, ensuring an unassailable lead in points. Despite having already clinched the championship, Uganda continued their winning streak in the final against South Africa, with Etwau scoring twice and Aturinda and Ofoywroth each contributing a try.
Etwau set the early pace, followed by Aturinda’s lightning-fast try in the corner. Etwau’s second try put Uganda ahead 15-5 at halftime. South Africa fought back, taking a 17-15 lead in the second half. Yet, with time running out, Ofoywroth’s late try ensured Uganda’s unbeaten run remained intact.
The celebrations in Mauritius were electric, heightened by the DJ playing Bobi Wine’s hit song ‘Bad Man from Kamwokya.’ Uganda topped the standings with 40 points, six points clear of South Africa and Madagascar, who both finished with 34 points.
This remarkable victory at Labourdonnais Sports Grounds marks Uganda’s fourth African Championship title, cementing their status as a powerhouse in African rugby and securing their place in the 2025 World Challenger Series.
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