Safari 7s is here GAME ON Enjoy

The biggest Seven's tournament in Africa will be held this coming weekend at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa's grounds on Ngong Road Nairobi. This year the tournament has grown to yet its former past as we see more and better teams have confirmed their attendance.

Uganda is a regular participant and in fact they and Kenya Shujas are the only two teams to yet miss any since its inception in 1996. Uganda's best performance to date has been winning the Plate finals in 1999 and in 2006. In its first ever appearance in 1996, Uganda beat Kenya in the pool stages but lost to them in the Plate final.

The Uganda team will like many African teams USS this year's competition as part of their preparations for next month's Rugby Africa's Sevens Championships which will also double as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifiers with all the top 12 teams participating apart from South Africa who qualified automatically after finishing among the top 4 teams in the HSBC World Sevens Series.

The team has been undergoing intense sessions under the head coach Tolbert Onyango and we expect the best from the team this year despite a very intimidating cast from all over the world as potential opponents. The draws are yet to be released by the organisers. The defending champions Samurai will be in attendance same as the Russia Academy which is already in Nairobi under legend Waisale Serevi as their coach.

The Uganda team will once again be captained by the evergreen Mr. Okorach Michael and will attempt to go further than any other team in our history. This year the URU targeted the Olympics qualifiers as its topmost priority and hence the heightened interest in the 2019 Safari Sevens.

Some of the teams that have confirmed participation are Samurai, Seventise (France), Blitzboks (South Africa), Portugal, Spain, Red Wailers, Apache, Zambia, Zimbabwe, KCB, Uganda, Burundi and Russia Academy.

The Rugby Cranes Sevens team to the tournament is composed of players Michael Okorach (c), Pius Ogena, Ian Munyani, Adrian Kasito, William Nkore, Timothy Odong, Brian Oketayot, Desire Ayera, Jude Kermundu, Solomon Okia, Nobert Okeny and Aaron Ofoirwoth.

The team officials are Tolbert Onyango (Head Coach), Michael Wandera (Team Manager) and Noah Kayongo (Physiotherapist). Our team is proudly sponsored by Guinness.

We wish the Uganda Sevens team all the best in the 2019 Safari Sevens. The lessons picked will be very crucial as Uganda targets the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games qualification.

*Rugby 256* also salutes the efforts of the Uganda Rugby Union and the entire rugby fraternity for the all they do for Rugby let’s enjoy the World Cup 2019 and also spread “The World Rugby Core Values are: Integrity, Passion, Solidarity, Discipline and Respect.. “

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

2019 Rugby World Cup Quarters Predictions

The squabbles over the years over the World Rugby Rankings took a heavy toll over the weekend with all the Quarterfinalists among the current top 8 globally when the latest rankings were released on Monday 14th October. Well we shall get to that later. At hand we have the Quarter finals and Japan is the standout team according to our pre tournament predictions here. We as Rugby256 had predicted Scotland will finish second in Pool A before the start of the World’s premier Rugby Competition. Japan ended topping the pool followed by Ireland. We had also predicted that Argentina will qualify but the French had other ideas.

Any team which reaches this stage is capable of advancing to the semis and it is our unenviable task to make those dreaded predictions once again. Predicting games at this stage stuff for the very thick skinned people. It got more interesting with some teams missing their last games due to the life taking Typhoon Hagibis. Some pundits have already stated that the missed games will either work in favour or against those teams citing various reasons. One reason being the stalled up momentum built over the weeks. We believe that the top professional teams are well aware of the threat and have inbuilt systems so as their players remain fresher than those which played.

England vs. Australia

There are 3 World Cups between these age old adversaries and our technical team was most split about this first quarter final match which will be held at the Oita Stadium, Oita Prefecture from 10:15 am (EAT) on Saturday 19th October. Our in house team gave it to England to overcome Australia. England topped their group C despite missing the last match against France. England finished with 17 points against the French’s 15. The English have gone through their games almost quietly but very decisively. England is currently ranked 3rd overall and Australia 6th. The English coached by Australian Eddie Jones have an enviable strong squad among its 31 players squad and it will be interesting to see the selected players for the 2003 Champions.

Australia who won the cup in 1991 and 1999 have had a bit of an unsettled team and some strongly feel that their head Coach Michael Cheika has tinkered with the team a lot that it is the hardest team to predict the match day team which will be named on Thursday. Four years ago, Australia under Cheika embarrassed England with a 33-13 drumming of the hosts England at Twickenham in the pool stages. Nobody in their normal sense can completely rule out an Australian surprise win.

New Zealand vs. Ireland

The defending Champions have had a smooth run to this point apart from their opening fixture against South Africa which they won. Ireland came into the competition as the World’s top ranked team but a surprise loss to Japan has seen them slide to 4th globally. Several months ago some pundits genuinely believed that the Irish were favourites to win the RWC masterpiece and Japan happened!

We believe that despite their well known resilience the Irish will come short to a fresher All Blacks team led by Kieran Read. The All Blacks have seemed average by their standards in the later pool games but are well capable of turning on the heat when the opportunity arises. This being the last tournament for both the Kiwi Coaches it will be quite intense for both sides and many neutrals would want to see an upset but according to us, New Zealand will win this game which will come on screen on Saturday at 13:15 hrs from the Tokyo Stadium in Tokyo.

Wales vs. France

This was probably the easiest for the Rugby256 team to agree on. Our prediction is that Wales will triumph over the 2023 hosts France. The Welsh unleashed a ‘scary’ opening first half against Australia in the pool stages and if they can get similar or better cylinders they will overcome any team on their good day. We expect that this Sunday will be such a good day. The French though have a tradition of being the most unpredictable team.

Wales are ranked 2nd and France 8th globally today. None of these teams have ever won the RWC to date. This game will be televised on Sunday at 10:15am (EAT) from the Oita Stadium.

Japan vs. South Africa

Some South African fans were quietly following the last pool game between Japan and Scotland and probably hoped to meet Scotland but well it is Japan. South Africa is ranked 5th and Japan 7th currently by World Rugby. Japan beat South Africa in the pool stages 34-32 four years ago hence causing the biggest upset by then and this has never been forgotten by many.

Rugby256 predicts that South Africa will not underestimate the brave blossoms of Japan and that the Springboks under Head Coach Rassie Erasmus will deploy all at his disposal to see off the Japanese challenge. Rassie must have by now watched how the hosts have managed to disappoint 2 ‘Home Unions’ Ireland and Scotland and he will probably come up with a very big and technical pack whose main purpose will be to deny the unpredictable Japanese backs any decent ball possession. This last quarter final match will be played from 13:15 pm on Sunday at the Tokyo Stadium.



You have our bold predictions. What are yours?

*Rugby 256* also salutes the efforts of the Uganda Rugby Union and the entire rugby fraternity for the all they do for Rugby let’s enjoy the World Cup 2019 and also spread “The World Rugby Core Values are: Integrity, Passion, Solidarity, Discipline and Respect.. “

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

2019 Rugby World Cup Semi Finals

Jonny May of England against New Zealand in a past match.

Leigh Halfpenny of Wales to start for Wales against South Africa.

The 3 Barret brothers; Scott, Jordie and Beauden all set to play a role against England at the semi finals.

The All Blacks do the Haka Challenge. Expect a big one before the Semi final against England.

Winger Sbu Nkosi with the ball will the only change for South Africa against Wales on Sunday. He replaces Cheslin Kolbe.

Last week we were spot on with the Quarter finals and we dare enter the fray yet again with an open mind to assess and predict which sides will go onto the final on 2nd November at the International Stadium, Yokohama, Kanagwa Prefecture, Yokohama City. The losing semi finalists will play the Bronze final on Friday at the Tokyo Stadium, Tokyo. Both semi finals will be played at the International Stadium, Yokohama. Any team in the semis is good enough to win the Webb Ellis Trophy.

Semi final 1: England vs. New Zealand 11 am (EAT) Saturday.

Rugby matches don’t get any bigger than this. The English founded the game and New Zealand (All Blacks) has been the most successful team sport in the world for a while. The clash of their contrasting styles will come out into the open on Saturday and it will be a very close affair. New Zealand has won the last 6 games between these 2 great teams. In November 2018 at Twickenham, London the All Blacks nipped a 15-16 victory in the Autumn International. Before that they met in 2014 in November and the All Blacks again came on top with a 21-24 victory at the same venue.

New Zealand is ranked 1 in the World followed closely by England who put away the Australian Challenge so easily last Saturday. The 40-16 victory over their rivals marked a certain hunger and calmness which will have every watcher of this same final glued to their screens. The All Blacks not wanting to be left out drubbed Ireland 44-16 at the quarters. These scores are frightening especially being against tier 1 Nations.

Both sides have solid squads and the difference might be certain X players. The English can count on Manu Tuilagi of Leicester Tigers in the Premiership. He is a very reliable Center and at 114 Kgs will take lots of heart to stop. Sam Underhill is another to watch and he had a very huge game against the Aussies last week with his traditional back breaking tackles. New Zealand has a scary cast of stars and in fact it is hard to point out who will lead the charge in this game. It could be flank Ardie Savea, fullback Beauden Barret or Richie Mo’unga.

The English showcased world class defence and extreme patience playing against Australia and they have been the most disciplined team so far in the last four sides conceding zero yellow crads compared to the All Blacks 3. The overall penalty count shows England having been penalized only 20 times in 4 outings so far to New Zealand’s 21 in 4 games. The All Blacks have more flair but England might and just might edge them on structure.
The Rugby256 technical team has predicted a narrow victory for the All Blacks.


Semi final 2: Wales vs. South Africa 12 noon (EAT) Sunday.

Wales are ranked 3rd globally today while South Africa (Springboks) are 4th. Wales have won the last 4 games against the Springboks and none of those games have been in South Africa. The last time South Africa won against the Welsh was during the 2015 Rugby World Cup quarter finals with a close 23-19 score. Of the 35 matches between these 2 sides, South Africa has won the lion’s share with 28 victories with one draw and 6 wins for Wales.

South Africa is the only team to reach this far after losing one game in the Pool stages. They lost to New Zealand 13-23 on 21st September after brief lull in concentration saw their opponents score 2 quick tries to end the contest. Their coach went ahead and stated how the team will go and win the remaining games. Well Wales and their Kiwi coach Warren David Gatland OBE would want to have their say too. They put away the Australians 29-25 on 29th September and beat France 20-19 in a nail biting encounter last weekend.

The Springboks have announced only one change to the team which masterly overcame Japan. Coach Rassie Erasmus’s hand was forced due an injury on winger Cheslin Kolbe who will be replaced by S’bu Nkosi. The Welsh fly half Dan Biggar is full time ‘sniper’ with his boots. The leadership offered by the Captain Alun Wyn Jones will see the men in red fight for each inch to the very end.

The Rugby256 team gives the nod to South Africa to qualify for the finals.

What are your predictions?

Rugby 256 also salutes the efforts of the Uganda Rugby Union and the entire rugby fraternity for the all they do for Rugby let’s enjoy the World Cup 2019 and also spread “The World Rugby Core Values are: Integrity, Passion, Solidarity, Discipline and Respect..  “

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 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