Uganda’s hopes of competing on the 2026 Rugby Africa Males’s Sevens have suffered a significant setback after the Rugby Cranes 7s had been pressured to withdraw from the continental showpiece in Mauritius because of Ebola-related journey restrictions.
On Wednesday, Uganda Rugby confirmed that the nationwide sevens staff is not going to take part within the event scheduled for June 20-21 at SPARC in Cascavelle, Mauritius.
The choice follows measures imposed by Mauritian authorities quickly prohibiting entry of international nationals who’ve travelled from, transited via, or been current in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, or South Sudan inside the earlier 21 days.
“Uganda Rugby wish to inform stakeholders and followers that the Rugby Cranes 7s is not going to take part within the 2026 Rugby Africa Mauritius Sevens,” Uganda Rugby President Godwin Arinaitwe Kayangwe mentioned in an announcement.
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The withdrawal comes as an enormous blow to the Rugby Cranes 7s, who had been getting ready to compete in opposition to a few of Africa’s high rugby nations in a event that additionally types a part of Rugby Africa’s Fortieth-anniversary celebrations.
The competitors will characteristic 12 groups, together with defending champions South Africa, hosts Mauritius, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Morocco, Madagascar, Tunisia, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast.
Regardless of the setback, Uganda Rugby mentioned discussions are ongoing to make sure the nation doesn’t miss out fully on worldwide alternatives.
“Rugby Africa, the Rugby Committee, and Uganda Rugby are actively partaking to discover potentialities for HSBC Division 3 Qualification,” the assertion famous.
The federation mentioned the welfare of gamers and officers stays its high precedence because the Ebola scenario continues to affect journey and sporting actions throughout the area.
“We stay dedicated to the protection of our gamers, workers and supporters and can present updates as discussions progress,” the assertion added.
Uganda turns into one of many newest sporting casualties of the well being restrictions triggered by the Ebola outbreak, with the event elevating contemporary issues in regards to the affect of illness outbreaks on the nation’s worldwide sporting calendar.