Rugby fever is sweeping across Uganda following the historic arrival of the Webb Ellis Cup — the iconic trophy awarded to the Rugby World Cup champions — at Entebbe International Airport.
The trophy’s presence in the country signals the beginning of a monumental rugby chapter as Uganda gets ready to host the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 at the revamped Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Uganda Rugby Union president Godwin Kayangwe, who received the trophy at the airport alongside other dignitaries, and sponsor representatives, described the occasion as a moment of national pride.
“It’s a proud moment for us as a country to welcome the Webb Ellis Cup to Uganda,” said Kayangwe. “This trophy represents the dream of every rugby player and fan around the world. Hosting the Rugby Africa Cup gives us a unique opportunity to bring the game closer to our people, inspire young talent, and demonstrate that Uganda is ready to compete and host world-class rugby.”
He added that Uganda is fully prepared to deliver a successful tournament, both on and off the pitch, and emphasized how the event will energize the national push to qualify for the Rugby World Cup for the first time in history.
To build excitement, the trophy will tour various locations around Kampala over the coming days, offering fans and aspiring players a chance to see up-close the pinnacle of rugby achievement.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Rugby Cranes are wrapping up intense preparations at their Jinja training camp, focused and fired up ahead of their opening match. With Namboole Stadium freshly renovated and ready for action, a surge of local support is expected from fans eager to witness history unfold on home soil.
This year’s edition, running from July 8 to 19, doubles as a crucial qualifier for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, with the tournament winner edging closer to securing Africa’s coveted direct qualification spot.
The tournament will feature eight of the continent’s best rugby nations: Uganda, Senegal, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria, and Morocco. These teams will compete in knockout-style fixtures, beginning with the quarterfinals on July 8, semis on July 14, and the final showdown set for July 19.
