The Uganda Rugby Union (URU) is seeking support 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 development was confirmed on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, by the URU Chief Executive Officer, Isaac Nsubuga Lutwama.

Lutwama said that the national teams need additional funds to cover important expenses like passports, boots, gear, and other personal belongings. The teams do not depend solely on covering these basic costs.

He urged all supporters, corporate partners, stakeholders, and members of the rugby community to help the U20 team succeed and develop.

“We urge you to consider how your support can make a difference,” Nsubuga said.

According to Nsubuga, URU received an invitation from the South African Rugby Union (SARU) for a women’s U20 rugby squad to play in the inaugural African Series, which is set to take place in South Africa.

“This invitation is based on a recommendation from World Rugby based on URU UDQ review on the growth of women’s rugby in Uganda, which is in line with URU’s vision to nurture talent at the grassroots levels and equal opportunity for all our male and female athletes. This is the first international tournament for our girls,” Nsubuga said.

Nsubuga emphasized that although the invitation to the African Series was unexpected, URU has vowed to honor it by covering the team’s travel, accommodations, and training costs.

Additionally, he stated that they hope to use the model for both U20 men and women in the future because they believe that the strength of these youth teams lies in the collective support of the rugby community.

The decision to participate in the African Series was not taken lightly, especially as declining the invitation would be a missed opportunity to lay the foundation for a robust U20 women’s program in Uganda, a testament to the growth of the women’s game.