best rugby players 2024

In 2013, Wanyama joined London College of St. Lawrence on a fully paid sports scholarship (rugby), where he says he played the most beautiful rugby. “I want to play like I did then or even better.” “I am still building the confidence for it,” he said. In 2009, while in senior one at Namilyango College, he played his first soccer game against senior two students, whom they lost to.

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“I needed someone who I could play with and who would remind me to go and practice. So, I talked him into playing rugby and taught him the basics, but he was more into football,” he said. Primarily, the reason why the Rugby Cranes Sevens side has made tremendous strides, is because of contracted players, who train more regularly. But at the same time, they have had more international engagements. In addition, Shimwa, who is a former student at Ntare School, St Joseph Naggalama, and St Mary’s College Kisubi, has had the test of success as a rugby player. Markedly a centre (a 12 and number 13), Shimwa is a good ball carrier, distributor and jumper.

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“With the preparations we have had as a team, the gel and bonding we are ready for any team that comes our way. We are coming in strong to defend our title and key for us will be team work” Black Pearls senior players Emily Lekuru revealed. The biggest game was always to be against the Kenya Shujaas. We have previously beaten Kenyan sides but they always claimed to present their 2nd teams. We clearly beat them and they were humble in defeat as we were gracious in victory. We clearly showed that we were heads and shoulders above the competition.

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He has won the Rugby World Cup twice with South Africa, in 2019 and 2023. Kolbe was nominated for 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year but lost to teammate Pieter-Steph du Toit. He previously played for Toulouse, Toulon, Stormers, and Western Province. He has won the World Cup, Rugby Championship, and Lions Series with the Springboks, the Top14, and Champions Cup with Toulouse, the Currie Cup with Western Province, and the Challenge Cup with Toulon. He is one of the highest paid rugby players in the world, with a reported salary of between ¥130–155 million yen per season.

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In the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens’ 50-year history, we have been the event’s Official Sponsor since 1988. This injury ruled him out of games for close to three months, therefore delaying his first appearance on the national team. Because he was the only player on the team who took longer to appear, it was upsetting for him to see his teammates train and play without him. Surprisingly, Aturinda stopped playing football and joined rugby, which is considered a dangerous game by many. “When I was recovering, that was the same time my friends started persuading me into playing rugby,” he said.

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However, just like any other sportsman, he says, “Sportsmen in Uganda are not yet as highly valued as compared to those in other countries,” which is a challenge. They’ll need to beat 11 others teams for the solitary remaining ticket to Paris in the Olympic Repechage set for June in Monaco, https://ababet.org/ France. Besides the sevens, the highlight will be the much-awaited Rugby Africa Cup to be hosted for the first time in Uganda from July at the newly-refurbished Namboole Stadium. This edition’s inclusion of female teams from Rwanda highlighted the event’s expanding reach and inclusivity.

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Makerere College School is a co-educational government aided O and A- level school founded in 1945 by Makerere University (then still a College of London University). On the other hand the host Avengers have promised inflicting pain to the King’s Park based Black Pearls in this year’s league title inscription. The Bweyogerere side start the title defence on Saturday January 28,2023 in Entebbe against Avengers in Busambaga. It will be their fourth appearance at the Commonwealth Games since Melbourne 2006 and the 2nd appearance in a row at the Sevens Rugby World Cup.

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“We are proud because this is the first time that a regional trophy like this is coming to West Nile and Arua City for Rugby. This shouldn’t go unnoticed; everyone should notice this. “Throughout these four years, we kept on seeing improvement in the boys and the girls.

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In terms of statistics, according to World Rugby, rugby is played in over 120 countries, with more than 9.6 million registered players worldwide. Also, in terms of physicality, an average professional rugby player runs about 7-8 kilometers per game, with some players reaching even higher distances. The 1xBet platform has wagers on the best rugby players too.

best rugby players 2024

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  • Besides remuneration and opposition fans, for him, opposition from his parents has been a great challenge.
  • In 2022, they represented Uganda at the World Cup qualifiers in France.
  • It is not something I take for granted, it is an honor and I will use it to the best of my ability.
  • “At Mainz, the last two minutes before the team bus arrived at the stadium for a game, we would always listen to the Haka, so that when the door opened it was pretty loud!
  • This achievement came despite a heavy defeat at the hands of Kenya in the semi-finals.

The Women’s rugby league defending champions Black Pearls have sent out a statement on their readiness to defend the Women’s Rugby Premiership League this year. “Actually, I feel so excited for winning the trophy because we have been putting more effort as a team since the covid 19 lockdown period. We have not been winning, we always finish the league at the 2nd position but after winning the trophy, we are excited and we are planning to win more,” Onyiru promised.

Pool matches often consist of several games in a ‘best out of’ format and players attempt to win as many games as needed to win the match. This has forced some of the senior players on the team to forge a way forward and that’s a strike which will be held very soon if they are not worked on in time. I went on to play rugby in high school and joined Heathens in 2008. In 2009, I joined the Uganda Rugby national team both 7s and 15s. Basically, I have had a good journey and I achieved a lot personally and also with my teams; Uganda and Heathens. I think I can still achieve more in years left in my rugby career and I want to give it my all so that I can finish on a high.

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  • World Rugby ranks Uganda at number 36, while Senegal are at number 61.
  • He possesses good speed, agility, and a strong ball grip, which make him fit for the role.
  • Unlike in 2022, when the team was hurriedly assembled, coach Fred Mudoola, who had also just been appointed, did not have ample time to prepare his charges.
  • Kolbe was a member of the South Africa Sevens team that won a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
  • The Springboks won bronze behind Great Britain who were beaten in the final by Fiji.
  • If a player accidentally knocks the ball forward (knock-on), a scrum is awarded to the opposing team.

Here’s a closer look at the full squad, plus a full fixture list for Scotland at the Six Nations 2024. Italy take on England at the Studio Olympico in Rome on February 3, as they try once again to take home their first Six Nations trophy. Here’s a closer look at the full squad, plus a full fixture list for Italy at the Six Nations 2024. France kicks off this year’s Six Nations on February 2, as they go head to head against reigning champions Ireland in Marseille. Here’s a closer look at the full squad, plus a full fixture list for France at the Six Nations 2024.

  • As a youngster, his dream was to play for one of the big clubs in Uganda, and he got his chance.
  • They would peep into St. Mary’s College Kisubi, also known as SMACK, before the school’s wall fence was built and watch the students play rugby.
  • Besides the sevens, the highlight will be the much-awaited Rugby Africa Cup to be hosted for the first time in Uganda from July at the newly-refurbished Namboole Stadium.
  • The All Blacks are fresh off a one-sided 47-5 thrashing against Fiji in the International Rugby Union.
  • France will face a stiff test in their Pool C match on Thursday against double Olympic champions Fiji, who have suffered a slump in form by their high standards.
  • Results have been seen; Heathens won the championship and Uganda the Africa Cup.
  • This edition’s inclusion of female teams from Rwanda highlighted the event’s expanding reach and inclusivity.

The only reason I defeated them was their lack of regular practice but their skill is still in tact. I would love to play them again when their form is back like in the old days at the Namilyango Pyramid. Rugby’s rules are designed to encourage skill, teamwork, and strategic play, while ensuring player safety as well. The sport’s global popularity and the dedication of millions of players demonstrate the enduring appeal of rugby, emphasizing both its competitive nature and its commitment to sportsmanship. “I’m happy we got a win, it’s good for us but as a coach, I think we still have a lot more to do on the pitch. We have several things that we need to improve especially making sure that all the 16 men are firing.

best rugby players 2024

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  • “When I was recovering, that was the same time my friends started persuading me into playing rugby,” he said.
  • It definitely feels good that a responsibility of this kind is given to you.
  • In 2019, he joined the Stanbic Black Pirates, of which he has been a part since then.
  • Find different competitions to bet on along with rugby predictions from our expert panel online.
  • Here’s a closer look at the full squad, plus a full fixture list for Ireland at the Six Nations 2024.
  • You also have to make sure that you are betting on a site that has competitive odds and is regulated by a reputable third-party.
  • Remember, this team does not also have Kelvin Balagadde, who was instrumental in last year’s success.
  • Los Pumas have two matches against NZ before returning home to host Australia at the end of the month.
  • I visit home three times yearly for personal reasons and utilize the opportunity when summoned to the national rugby team.
  • Competition for places has proved so stiff, a pointer also to how good Uganda has become.

South Africa is one of the leading sevens rugby-playing teams in the world. Uganda’s Sevens rugby men’s national team travel to Zimbabwe for the Africa championship. “We made a list of 28 players with Senegalese players playing in the French championship but also local players. The objective was to put the best players to be able to perform.” He added. Their victory against Uruguay will boost their confidence heading into the Castle Lager competition.

The organisers of the sevens, Walukuba Rugby Club made a big stride over the weekend after meeting HRH The Kyabazinga of Busoga William Gabula Nadiope IV to discuss rugby development. Union CEO Isaac Lutwama unveiled plans to construct a formidable XVs team within the next eight years, aiming to compete in the Rugby Africa Cup once more and to secure a win. Eric Butime, Vice President of Technical, orchestrated the strategic alliance, leading to both nations penning a memorandum of understanding. Having left Uganda with a goal of winning the Africa 7s to clinch a direct ticket to next year’s Olympics, the Cranes were unable to actualize that dream. The Lady Rugby Cranes showcased their prowess, overpowering Zambia with a victory to secure a bronze medal. This achievement came despite a heavy defeat at the hands of Kenya in the semi-finals.

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The Senegal national rugby team arrived in Uganda this morning, ahead of the highly anticipated Rugby Africa Cup tournament set to take place from July 18 to 28. The side got off to a great start with a win over the hosts Tunisia on Saturday at 11 am, with Grace Auma scoring two tries and converting once, a performance head coach Charles Onen credited to teamwork. Now, they have a mix of young and experienced players who’ve been playing passionately for their country. Last month, Los Pumas thrashed Uruguay 79-5 in the IRU as part of their preparations for the upcoming competition.

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He fell in love with rugby when his brother, Kevin Wanyama, joined SMACK. “He was sharing stories about how fancy the game was and how much respect you get when you play it,” he said. Coach ‘Bobby’ as he is fondly called will have to immediately take the players focus away from the goings on off pitch and try together with Brian to steer the team back to focus on the tasks ahead. Jurgen Klopp has explained how lessons from the world’s most famous rugby union side have helped him throughout his managerial career. Players must release the ball, and teammates must bind together to drive over it or maintain possession. The ball must be passed backward or sideways, not thrown forward.

Besides remuneration and opposition fans, for him, opposition from his parents has been a great challenge. “I believe I would have been way ahead in this game if it wasn’t for that.” “If you called your parents after winning a tournament and they didn’t seem happy for you, it can be a challenge,” he said. “They are my small village, and they are supposed to support me even before the outside world.” Nevertheless, he says he is building a legacy. One day, they decided to imitate what they had seen the older boys doing. “We didn’t know the basics of the game.” The tackles were kicks. You would jump, kick your friend, and make sure they fell.

  • The All Blacks have won this competition four consecutive times.
  • Italy take on England at the Studio Olympico in Rome on February 3, as they try once again to take home their first Six Nations trophy.
  • The elite pool of officials who take charge of the sport’s biggest matches wear Emirates on their shirts, ensuring we are with them at the heart of the action on the pitch and on the touchlines too.
  • “He was sharing stories about how fancy the game was and how much respect you get when you play it,” he said.
  • “He is a very strong player and very daring.” Even someone who is three times his size will want to take him on.
  • We are playing the best teams in the world; we are a young team and we shall bring home some good results.

Saint Lucia’s golden girl Julien Alfred had one of the greatest rookie year in history after sweeping all titles available in the 2024 season. Argentina will hope to erase its poor record against higher-ranked competitors when its squad land in Brisbane. Bookies favored Los Pumas to shine in France during July’s series. Australia plans to line up the same squad that thrashed Georgia last month with only a few additions. Angus Bell and Max Jorgensen, who’ve both had injuries in the past few years, will be back in action over the weekend.

But to do that, logistics are needed, that can enable players from which the Rugby Cranes is picked, to train a lot more than the two times in a week. But to consider that for Uganda to secure fifth place ahead of Senegal, they needed extra-time of 20 minutes, and then a late penalty by Joseph Aredo, to win it in sudden death, was a concern. World Rugby ranks Uganda at number 36, while Senegal are at number 61.

Yvonne Najjuma the Thunderbirds captain has made it clear they are back. “The League is only interesting when you have different teams break the dominence. We are back in this competition, come rain come sunshine. We are ready to play, the grace period for all this noise is done and dusted”. Conrad Wanyama picked up an interest in rugby in 2008, when he was in primary seven at St. Savio Junior School, Kisubi. They would peep into St. Mary’s College Kisubi, also known as SMACK, before the school’s wall fence was built and watch the students play rugby.

  • The Government Chief Whip, Hamson Obua in his remarks, hailed the teams and the leadership of the Uganda Rugby Union for setting a high standard in Ugandan sports.
  • We clearly showed that we were heads and shoulders above the competition.
  • The rugby union is played by two teams made up of 15 players for each side.
  • But at the same time, they have had more international engagements.
  • In fact, one must not forget that a player like Pius Ogena, who is part of the party travelling on September 14, has not been on this team for the last two years.
  • In 2014, while in senior four at Ntare School, he fractured his tibia during one of the football games, forcing him to retire from the sport.

The gala is all about having fun, reconnecting with old classmates as well being competitive on the day with passion. Overall the gala keeps on growing with continued mobilization and it was well organized. You will find many bettors pitting the rugby union vs. rugby league to find out which is the best competition. The rugby union is played by two teams made up of 15 players for each side. The winner of the match is decided over 80 minutes of play with a set of rules that differ to the rugby league variant. Rugby betting online has put the fun into watching your favourite team scoring tries.

Japan will host the 2023 Rugby World Cup and the winner is regarded as the best rugby side on the planet. I visit home three times yearly for personal reasons and utilize the opportunity when summoned to the national rugby team. This helps me visit family especially my mother, siblings, and friends as well as my projects. Meanwhile Rams’ female side Ewes will host former champions Thunderbirds at Legends away from home.

Unlike in 2022, when the team was hurriedly assembled, coach Fred Mudoola, who had also just been appointed, did not have ample time to prepare his charges. That was probably the thinking in the minds of many rugby fans, when Uganda were picked by Rugby Afrique to host the Rugby Africa Cup for the first time, between July 20 and 28, 2024. The two teams who returned from the African Games in Ghana in April as champions need to apply the same energy to better their respective third-place finishes in the men’s and women’s Africa Sevens last year. Featuring 12 men’s teams and four women’s teams, the event underscored the sport’s growing popularity and competitive nature in the region. Despite falling short in the final against Ghana, Mutebi’s impactful performance earned him recognition as the month’s top footballer.

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We have yet to confirm that we are able hosts even after the slump brought around due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “So, that is the stage where the lady’s team is, but the date of the qualifiers hasn’t been given to us. We are currently training them seriously with the boys’ team and we believe something good will come out in the playoffs for the national core league,” Asiku remarked. One of his teammates, Alex Aturinda, describes him as a small man with a big heart.

“We never played the game again because everyone was in pain after,” Wanyama narrated. For most, the Sports Gala as is foundly called is a time to rekindle old friendships, catch up and reminisce on the good old times and also network both on and off pitch. This year was no different, on the 10th of July, the old boys of the great Namilyango College gathered once again at MUBS for the 12th annual sports gala. The scheme is designed to increase the number of players, coaches and referees across the world and is helping the sport to reach more countries than ever before. Watching the students from the touchline is Rafatu Inusah, who has been playing rugby since 2009 and was one of the first women in Ghana to do so. In places like Ghana, where society is still overwhelmingly male-dominated and gender roles remain traditionally assigned, rugby — where it’s played — is seen as a man’s game.

“He is a very strong player and very daring.” Even someone who is three times his size will want to take him on. Surprisingly, most of the time, he has had success with the big guys, and I think that is what has made him known in rugby circles,” he said. While at Namilyango College, he played for the school team, where he represented East Africa at the national level in 2011 at Ntare School and in 2012 in Burundi. “At that time, the All Blacks were by far the best rugby team in the world, with a winning percentage of over 70 per cent. At a press conference to preview his side’s trip to Manchester City, Klopp spoke of how he had used that at Mainz, even making his players listen to the famous ‘Haka’ to get them pumped up before games.

Squads for all six nations have been announced before the tournament kicks off in February, and it’s not long at all before the Guinness Six Nations is back on our screens. The tournament features eight teams, with Uganda facing Zimbabwe in the quarterfinals. If they advance, they’ll face either Namibia or Burkina Faso in the semifinals. We are doing good with the little we are receiving, if it’s made better, then we shall we able to show the world that Uganda has very good talent. I believe I am not the most talented but I gave it my all from day one while still in high school (Hanah Mixed International school).

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