Kyadondo Rugby Academy, the youth development arm of Kyadondo Rugby Club, is set to travel to Kenya this week to participate in the 2026 Turi 7s tournament, one of East Africa’s premier youth rugby competitions.
Hosted annually by St Andrew’s School, Turi in Nakuru, the invitational tournament brings together boys’ and girls’ teams from across the region, primarily in the Under-13 and Under-15 age categories. Over the years, the competition has established itself as a key platform for nurturing young rugby talent and fostering regional sporting connections.
This year marks Kyadondo Rugby Academy’s second appearance at the tournament. The academy will field two Under-15 teams, building on an impressive debut campaign in 2025 when the boys reached the semi-finals and the girls emerged as tournament champions.
Head coach Sadam Godfrey believes the tournament offers much more than just competition.
“The Turi 7s gives our players an opportunity to showcase their talent, gain valuable playing experience, socialise with peers from different backgrounds, and experience new environments and cultures,” Godfrey said.
He noted that the academy has selected relatively young squads this year as part of its long-term player development strategy. Only three boys and two girls from last year’s teams have retained their places, while several other players were unavailable due to school commitments and candidate classes.
Despite its ambitions on the field, Kyadondo Rugby Academy continues to prioritise education alongside sport, ensuring young athletes maintain a healthy balance between academics and rugby.
The travelling squad also includes four players who were part of the team that won the Ndume U13 7s title last weekend. Their inclusion is seen as recognition of their outstanding performances and a reflection of the academy’s growing depth of talent.
According to Godfrey, tournaments such as the Turi 7s play a crucial role in the academy’s talent identification and development pathway. The competition helps expose promising players to opportunities within schools and senior rugby structures, including Buffaloes, Heathens, and Thunderbirds, while also contributing to the broader growth of Ugandan rugby.
Above all, the academy hopes the young players enjoy the experience and continue their development both on and off the field.
The teams were scheduled to depart for Kenya on Thursday morning, with matches set to take place on June 26 and 27. Kyadondo Rugby Academy will be aiming to build on last year’s success and make another positive impact at the prestigious regional tournament.
