The Uganda Rugby Union (URU), has received an official invitation for both the men’s and the women’s Rugby Cranes 7’s teams to participate in the inaugural Willem Strauss International Rugby 7’s tournament in Modimolle (Nylstroom), South Africa.

This development was confirmed on Monday, September 2, 2024, in a statement by URU.

According to the statement, the tournament will take place from September 6th to 9th 2024, and will feature teams from across the globe including the Blitzbooks and Springbok Women’s 7’s team, among other international teams.

The Chief Executive Director of URU Isaac Lutwama, said that it is an opportunity for the teams to compete at a high level.

“We are honored to receive this invitation to Willem Strauss International Rugby 7’s tournament and look forward to having our teams participate. This is a significant opportunity for our teams to compete at a high level, and gain valuable experience, as we look forward,” Lutwama said.

Additionally, he stated that participation in this tournament has been realized under the partnership with Blue Bulls Rugby, and it goes a long way in ensuring that the team is better prepared for the 2025 Challenger Series that gets underway in January 2025.

“As we prepare for this challenge, we extend our gratitude to the organizers of Willem Strauss International Rugby 7’s tournament for this invitation and their efforts in promoting rugby across the continent,” he added.

On August 21, 2024, URU confirmed an invitation for the inaugural women’s U20 African Series slated to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, from September 25, 2024, to October 8, 2024.

The Willem Strauss International 7’s Festival is one of the largest rugby events in the world, featuring around 6000 participants