The 2019 Rugby World Cup is upon us. (PART 2)

The 2003 RWC qualifiers was the first one where Uganda participated in 2001 but the entire qualification process started in 1999 where all the Quarter finalists earned an automatic slot and the other 12 teams had to go through a regional qualification process. The 2003 tournament was initially meant to be hosted by Australia and New Zealand but disagreements over signage at venues led to Australia going it alone.

Holders and hosts Australia, France, New Zealand, Argentina, England, Scotland, Wales and South Africa got the automatic slots while Namibia, Canada, Japan, Uruguay, Ireland, Italy, Romania, Georgia, Fiji and Samoa qualified through the regional slots. The USA and Tonga came to the party through a nerve wrecking repechage process. The English under Sir Clive Ronald Woodward OBE lifted the Webb Ellis in Sydney. They defeated the Wallabies (coached by current England Coach; Eddie Jones)20-17 after Jonny Wilkinson scored a drop goal in the dying seconds of extra time. The teams had drawn 17 all after normal time.  The English became the first Northern Hemisphere team to win the World Cup and they were greeted by approximately 800,000 fans when they returned home with the trophy.

Australia had defeated New Zealand 22-10 in the Semi final and they looked like real favourites to win their 3^rd title. England had beaten France 24-07 in the other Semis. After criticism of the very complex format previously in 1999 in Wales, a new simpler format was introduced and the twenty teams were divided into four pools of five nations, with the top two in each pool moving on to the knock-out quarter-final stage. With forty matches to be played in the pool stage on top of the knock-out matches would make the event the tournament ever to be played to date. For the first time, a bonus point system was implemented in pool play.

The 2007 RWC was held in France with some matches played in Scotland and Wales. There were yet again 20 slots and Africa was yet again represented by South Africa and Namibia. All the 8 Quarterfinalists from the 2003 Tournament got automatic slots. Pool D looked toughest because it had Argentina, France, Ireland, Georgia and Namibia. Argentina topped the pool and were joined by France who managed to beat Ireland 25-03.

The tournament was won by South Africa with Jake White as the Head Coach. They beat England 16-06 in the final. They had beaten Argentina 37-13 in the Semis. England had defeated France 14-09 in the other semis. It was also the first time that Argentina made it to the semis and eventually finished 3^rd overall after beating France 34-10 in the Bronze final match. It was also the first time for both Australia and New Zealand not making it to the Semis. The All Blacks had managed to score most tries (48 in 5 games only) but had lost 18-20 to France at the quarter final stage.

The win was very big for South Africa and probably helped further entrench the transformation policy of quotas. Jake White had made it clear that he was unable to select some ‘white’ players because of the quotas.

The 2011 RWC hosted by New Zealand and won by them by beating France 8-7 in the final. France beat Wales 9-8 in the semis and New Zealand beat Australia 20-06 in the other semi. Australia won the Bronze medal by beating Wales 21-18. The best team to have never won the World Cup; France had lost twice in Pool A to Tonga and New Zealand  and came so close to winning the final.

The qualification process had changed slightly with the top 3 teams from the 2007 pools getting automatic slots. 19 teams apart from Russia had competed before at the tournament and as usual Africa was represented by South Africa and Namibia.

New Zealand became the first Country to win the RWC at home and after some close shaves in previous World Cups it was a great moment to lay the previous upsets to rest.

(Captain Richie McCaw with the All Blacks lifts the Webb Ellis on home soil yet again in 2011)

The 2015 RWC was hosted by England and was won again by the All Blacks hence becoming the first nation to win it for the 3^rd time. They had defeated Australia 34-17 in the final at Twickenham. England as hosts made shocking news by being the first host Nation which failed to make it to the Quarter finals. They were in Pool A which was the dreaded ‘Pool of death’ alongside Australia, Wales, Fiji and Uruguay.

(Australia pack against hosts England on 3^rd October 2015 at Twickenham)

Australia had earlier damped the English hearts with a resounding 33-13 beating at Twickenham and they had earlier lost 25-28 to Wales and hence exited the tournament.

The biggest news was in the form of Japan upsetting South Africa 34-32 in the opening game of Pool B. That win was not enough for the Samurais to proceed from the group since they lost to Scotland 10-45 but they finished 3^rd in their pool and became instant heroes. Their head coach Eddie Jones would take up the English reins as the RFU ringed changes after a disappointing outing.

It was the first time that the All Blacks had won the tournament away from home and also the first time where the ‘home’ Unions didn’t make it to the semis. The All Blacks had defeated South Africa 20-18 in the semis and Australia beat Argentina 29-15 in the other semis.

(Dan Carter and Captain Richie McCaw with the 2015 RWC at Twickenham)

The 3^rd Part will feature the different pools for the 2019 RWC.

We thank the Uganda Rugby Union and the entire rugby fraternity for the all they do for rugby let’s enjoy the International Rugby Union World Cup 2019.  

We always appreciate you liking our official facebook page @rugby256 ,instagram @rugby 256er and following us in twitter @rugby 256.Check out our blog rellrugby256.blogspot.com. For more information

*The 2019 Rugby World Cup is upon us. (PART 1)*

Logo for the 2019 RWC

The 1987 RWC final match magazine. New Zealand vs France.

The English, 2003 RWC winners

Webb Ellis World Cup Trophy

The waiting is almost over with only 6 days to the biggest Rugby show in the World. This will be the 9th edition of the Rugby World Cup (RWC). For the first time the Tournament will be hosted by Japan which in itself reflects the advancement of the game globally. The host nations have normally been among the top playing Countries like Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand and Wales. Hosts Japan will open the games against Russia on 20th September at 13:45 (EAT) at the Ajinomoto Stadium in Chofu, Tokyo.

The 2019 Rugby World Cup will be easily the most competitive ever with probably 5 or 6 teams with genuine hopes of lifting the Webb Ellis on 2nd November at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, Kanagua Prefecture. The process of determining the hosts for this 2019 RWC started way back in 2008. At a special meeting in Dublin on 28th July 2009, the International Rugby Board (now, World Rugby) confirmed that England and Japan will host the 2015 RWC and 2019 RWC respectively.

*Background*

The idea of the Rugby World Cup was nurtured many years ago-long before it started in 1987 and it is believed that Australia put forth the first real proposal to host in 1983. They were joined by New Zealand who added their proposal to host too. After a feasibility study by the IRB, the Australia and New Zealand Unions joined forces for hosting the first RWC. The Original four Home Unions were believed to oppose the idea of the RWC. France joined Australia and New Zealand and later South Africa (which was facing a sporting ban). Later England and Wales consented.

The 1987 RWC was jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand and after a total of 32 matches from 22nd May to 20th June; New Zealand (All Blacks) became the first Country to win the Webb Ellis after defeating France 29-09 at Eden Park in Auckland. Zimbabwe was the only team from Africa invited to participate in that World Cup. South Africa was still facing the international sports boycott due to its Apartheid policy.

The 1991 RWC was hosted by Great Britain, Ireland and France and the final was at Twickenham-the home of English rugby. Australia won the final by beating England 12-06. England qualified for the final after beating Scotland at Murrayfield and Australia (Wallabies) had earlier beaten New Zealand in the Semifinals. Australia became the first Country to win it away from home. Zimbabwe were the only African Nation in the World Cup.

The 1995 RWC was set to be the biggest yet with the inclusion of South Africa (Springboks) who was also hosts. It was the first time the Competition was hosted by a single Country. South Africa stunned the World after stopping favorites New Zealand in the final match. South Africa took the Webb Ellis after Joel Strasky’s successful drop goal to separate the two teams in extra time. South Africa won it 15-12 and memories of Nelson Mandela cheering the Springboks are still fresh. The RWC main news must have been the devastating Jonah Lomu who became an instant hit World over. The World game was never going to be the same and the era of professionalism started after the World Cup. Chester William (RIP) who was the Uganda Rugby Coach in 2006 was part of that successful Springboks team. Francois Pienaar was the Springbok captain who received the trophy from President Mandela who donned their Jersey with the Captain’s number on it. Ivory Coast and South Africa represented Africa.

The 1999 RWC was hosted by Wales with some matches held in England, France Scotland and Ireland. The final was slated to be held at the Millennium Stadium in Wales. A total of 65 teams participated in the qualifying process and participating teams at the RWC were increased from 16 to 20. France shocked a star studded All Blacks 43-31 in the Semifinal before losing to Australia 12-35 in the final. Australia became the first country to win the RWC twice.

*Part 2 to follow with 2003 RWC, 2007 RWC, 2011 RWC and 2015 RWC summaries.*

*Part 3 will focus solely on the 2019 RWC*

We thank the Uganda Rugby Union and the entire rugby fraternity for the all they do for rugby let’s enjoy the International Rugby Union World Cup 2019.

We always appreciate you liking our official facebook page @rugby256 ,instagram @rugby256er and following us in twitter @rugby 256.Check out our blog rellrugby256.blogspot.com. For more information

The Uganda Rugby Community Mourns Mr. Mileke Aredo Patrick.

Mr & Mrs Mileke Aredo Patrick

Late Mr. Mileke Aredo Patrick with wife

Mrs Mileke Aredo Patrick

We regret to announce the demise of Mr. Mileke Aredo Patrick which happened earlier today. Mr. Mileke hails from Tororo (Mikiya Village) in eastern Uganda. Mr. Mileke is a father to Era Aredo (Warriors RFC), Gabriel Aredo (Warriors RFC) and Joseph Aredo (Uganda 7’s and Betway Kobs). Joseph Aredo was the captain of the Betway Kobs which has recently won the 2019 Roke National Sevens.

Mr. and Mrs. Mileke became some of the staunchest rugby fans and they will be at the various venues cheering teams. They have been role models to many younger people in the rugby community and always available to give the much needed advice to so many. The Uganda Rugby community is at a loss and we mourn with the family and all friends of the family.

The family has been very instrumental in the rugby community and we recently had a tournament in the 2019 Roke National Sevens named after Mr. Mileke hosted by Warriors and Legends. Mr. Mileke is surely irreplaceable.

Burial Programme.

SUNDAY 8th September: Vigil in Kitintatle at Mr. Mileke’s home.

‪MONDAY 9th September: Requiem mass in Our Lady of Africa Church, Mbuya at 11 am. Thereafter the body departs for Tororo. Vigil will be at plot 38 Masaba road on Monday.‬

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TUESDAY 10th September: Requiem mass at Sacred Heart Tororo Church followed by vigil in Mikiya-the ancestral home in Tororo, 1 Km after Nagongera town.‬

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WEDNESDAY 11th September: Burial at Midday in Mikiya town in Tororo Town.‬

May his soul rest in eternal peace.

We as rugby256 are completely saddened by the loss of our daddy, fan and parent we know his in a better place and pray for comfort to the bereaved family lets come together for them family especially the boys and our mother. Our deepest condolences, sympathy and prayers come to you at this very difficult time of the loss of pillar to your family. May God strengthen and comfort you. May the Good Lord grant eternal rest to your dad, and May you find solace in the same Good Lord, the family, neighbors, Uganda Rugby Union and the entire rugby fraternity and friends (all of us). May God’s will be done. May He rest in eternal peace!! Remember Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

We always appreciate you liking our official facebook page @rugby 256, instagram @rugby 256er and following us in twitter @rugby 256.Check out our blog rellrugby256.blogspot.com. For more information.

*Farewell Chester Williams.*

Chester Williams with Ofoyrwoth Aaron during a Tag rugby game

The Paarl born Springbok winger won the 1995 Rugby World Cup with South Africa. He was the only player of ‘colour' in the team and his highlight in the tournament was against the Western Samoa team where he scored 4 tries at the Quarter final stage. He had 27 Test Caps for the Springboks and he scored a total of 14 tries.

Chester ‘black pearl' Williams' passing through a suspected heart attack comes a couple of weeks after the death of his 1995 team mate and fellow winger James Small. James Small was also suspected to have succumbed to a heart attack too. Other members of that great 1995 Springboks team who have passed are Kitch Christie (Coach), scrum half Joost Van Der Westhuizen and flanker Ruben Kruger.

Chester was appointed as the Rugby Cranes head coach in 2006 and he immediately set upon making the Rugby Cranes a formidable team, winning the Elgon and built strong pillars which saw the Cranes be crowned Africa Champions in 2007. We have never had a greater tactician.

Chester was born on 8th August and we wish his wife and children strength in these trying moments.

Rest in peace Champion.

We will miss your service to Rugby development and appreciate Uganda Rugby Union for having given you a chance to help out in offering your service to all of us and the entire rugby fraternity be blessed in your next life.

We always appreciate you liking our official facebook page @rugby 256 ,instagram @rugby 256er and following us in twitter @rugby 256.Check out our blog rellrugby256.blogspot.com. For more information

The 2019 Roke National Seven’s Circuit.

Overall circuit Most Valuable Player Pius Ogena.

The Betway Kobs lift the overall winners trophy.

Betway Kobs Seven's captain James Aredo receives a cash present from the Mr. Innocent Ojanji, the Hippos Chairman in Jinja.

The Betway Kobs were crowned as the 2019 overall winners. The 7 legs circuit was a race between only 2 clubs; Betway Kobs and Stanbic Pirates. The other teams were too far off the pace this year. There were interesting match ups but no other team beat either Kobs or Pirates. A very worrying trend.

The Hippos from Jinja and the Hima Cement Heathens probably came closest to disrupting what became the order of Kobs and Pirates meeting in all the 7 finals. It looked like it was something beyond others to play in the finals. The Hippos could have done much better especially considering that they never got disrupted by the Rugby Cranes preparations and Continental duties. The Hippos are ever promising and they will be a tougher team to beat next year.

The 2019 Seven’s Circuit started with the Toyota Buffaloes hosting at Kyadondo ‪on 25th‬ ‪May‬, the only leg played there this year. The Kobs ran away with the Cup after a pulsating final against the Pirates. The next leg was at the new Masaka Rugby Club hosted by Buddu RFC ‪on 1st June‬. The sea robbers took this one away and this was to up the tempo for the 3rd leg; The Henry Rujumba Memorial 7s hosted by the Pirates ‪on 15th June‬ at the Kings Park, Bweyogerere. The Kobs won it.

The 4th leg was hosted by the Warriors and held in honour of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Mileke on 6th July. It was named the Mileke Sevens and hosted at Legends. The Kobs won this one (beating Pirates 25-05 in the finals) and opened a small 6 point gap over Pirates. The Coronation Cup came up next hosted by Shell Rimula Rhinos and Legends on 20th July. The Coronation Cup was in its 2 year running for the clubs and didn’t disappoint. The event was graced by Prince Wassajja of Buganda as the main guest. The Pirates won it. The gap at the top was now 3 points.

Leg 6 was meant to be held in Mbale but some communication breakdown led to it being cancelled with all teams assembled on the grounds. The fans who had travelled for the tournament seem to have made the biggest losses or maybe not. There are those who point at Mbale Elephants as being the biggest losers. Some of Mbale Elephants' officials got suspended from the game for 2 years.

So the 6th leg was hosted by the Hippos at the Dam Waters grounds in Jinjaon 17th August. The rained out tournament was won by Kobs. This effectively sealed the 2019 Series for Kobs. The only way they could be denied was by ensuring they do not reach the semis of the last leg. The Prestigious Edward Kitaka Memorial 7s was up next hosted by the Betway Kobs and Legends 24th August. The Pirates won the final but Kobs got the overall title.

Kobs won a total of 4 legs to Pirates 3. The depth of the Kobs club has greatly improved from last year and surpassed many and that is largely the reason they won the 2019 Circuit. Pirates had boosted a better team last year. The dynamics of the Rugby Cranes were felt more at Kobs than Pirates with the Kobs missing 5 players to Pirates 2 for the last leg.

Pius Ogena of the Betway Kobs was named the overall MVP despite not having played all the legs. Other honourable mentions are Joseph Aredo (Kobs), Timothy Odong (Pirates) and Desire Ayera (Pirates).

The 2020 Sevens Circuit should be bigger and we should see a return to the 2 days tournament for 16 teams per circuit. Uganda Sevens is a huge promise and the clubs might start approaching the whole competition professionally. The competitiveness will improve and the URU has slightly over 8 months before the next campaign kicks off. The prize monies can definitely improve.

Rugby is expanding and it will cost more to get better quality from the clubs. The overall winners of the Kenya Sevens Circuit will walk away with over Ushs. 18 million. The Betway Kobs got less than Ushs 2mn as the overall Champions. Each host club in Kenya was given Kshs 1.4 million to help in the preparations; our local clubs were each given less than Ushs 4million. Over to the Uganda Rugby

We thank the Uganda Rugby Union and the entire rugby fraternity for the excellent 7s tournaments played this season.

We always appreciate you liking our official facebook page @rugby 256 ,instagram @rugby 256er and following us in twitter @rugby 256.Check out our blog rellrugby256.blogspot.com. For more information