The Uganda 7s team, invited by the Blue Bulls Rugby Academy to participate in the Willem Strauss International Rugby 7s tournament from September 7th-8th, 2024, has faced a significant setback.
Of the 15-member contingent, only eight players were granted visas by the South African High Commission, leaving seven team members unable to travel.
According to the Rugby Cranes’ team manager, visa applications for all 15 members were promptly submitted to the VFS offices.
However, the South African High Commission cited visa overstays during the 2023 World Challenger Series as grounds for denying entry to the seven players.
This isn’t the first instance of visa troubles for the team, as a similar issue arose in 2023 when the Rugby Cranes attended a training camp at Stellenbosch Academy of Sports.
Efforts are underway to resolve the matter, with support from Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Council of Sports, and Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Paul Amour.
The Uganda Rugby Union, in the meantime, decided to send the eight cleared team members ahead while negotiations with South African authorities continue.
“We hope this matter will be resolved in time to allow the remaining team members to join and participate in the tournament,” stated the Uganda Rugby Union, per the statement shared.
Despite the visa issues, the Rugby Cranes had an impressive start to the tournament, narrowly defeating Zimbabwe’s Cheetahs 19-17. The Lady Cranes also dominated, securing a 46-10 victory over Zimbabwe’s women’s team.
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