Rugby Cranes Sevens Make Perfect Start at Africa Men’s Sevens SVNS 3 Qualifiers

The Africa Men’s Sevens SVNS 3 2026 Qualifiers got underway on Saturday, September 26, at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds in Kampala, with hosts Uganda making a perfect start to their campaign.

The two-day tournament, running from September 26–27, brings together eight African nations competing for a place in the 2027 World Rugby SVNS 3 competition.

The participating teams are Uganda, Zambia, Tunisia, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana and Morocco. They are divided into two pools, with Uganda, Zambia, Tunisia and Senegal in Pool B, while Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana and Morocco make up Pool A.

Uganda Dominate Senegal

Playing in front of their home supporters under the afternoon sunshine, the Rugby Cranes Sevens enjoyed a perfect opening day, winning both of their Pool B matches.

Uganda opened their campaign with a commanding 38-0 victory over Senegal.

Malcolm Okello, Daniel Otim, Alex Aturinda, Desire Ayera, Ian Munyani and Karim Arinaitwe all got on the scoresheet as Uganda produced an impressive attacking display.

Okello also played a key role with the boot, while Denis Etwau contributed to Uganda’s successful conversions as the hosts sent the Kyadondo crowd into celebration.

Uganda Overcome Tunisia

In their second and final match of the day, Uganda defeated a determined Tunisia side 26-10 in another entertaining encounter.

Okello, Aaron Tukei and Shakim Ssembusi were among the Uganda players who crossed the try line, while a penalty try added to the hosts’ tally.

Okello’s individual performance earned him the Man of the Match award as Uganda completed Day One with two victories from two matches.

The results put the Rugby Cranes in a strong position in Pool B ahead of their final pool match against Zambia on Sunday morning.

Zambia and Zimbabwe Also Impress

Elsewhere, Zambia and Zimbabwe also made strong starts to their respective campaigns, collecting maximum points on the opening day. Morocco also recorded a victory in Pool A.

Uganda will face Zambia at 10:06 a.m. on Sunday, September 27, in their final pool match. The result will help determine the semi-final pairings.

The top two teams from each pool will advance to the Cup semi-finals, with the semi-final winners meeting in the Cup Final at 4:40 p.m.

The tournament winner will secure Africa’s qualification place for the 2027 World Rugby SVNS 3.

Uganda enter the competition as four-time African Sevens champions, having won continental titles in 2016, 2017, 2022 and 2024, and will be seeking another title on home soil.