This year’s edition of the Kyadondo women’s international rugby 7’s tournament has been postponed to June 21 in Kampala, Uganda. Initially the tournament had been scheduled for May 17h but it was pushed forwards after several participating countries delayed to confirm their participation. The Kyadondo Rugby Football Club Secretary, Jeroline Akubu through an e-mail to Times Sport confirmed the postponement of the event. We have shifted the tournament’s date to enable countries confirm their participation, something that would help us to make better planning, Akubu said. The prestigious annual event whose theme is Women Networking in Sports is set to attract teams from several countries as well as schools from different parts of Uganda will attend the one-day tournament. This tournament is set to be used as a means of preparing for this year’s women’s 7s World Cup qualifiers due later this year in South Africa. The tournament will also be used for promoting Women’s Rugby further in the region and as a way of fostering rugby ties worldwide. Meanwhile, the national rugby women’s team ‘Blackbucks’ has intensified its preparations for the tournament. The Blackbucks have been in training since late last month at APE Rugunga training grounds but financial constraints are hindering the team’s preparations. Local rugby federation assistant Secretary General, Joseph Bugabo told Times Sport yesterday, We need sponsors to back the national team so as to enable the team meet daily transport, refreshments and other essential costs needed in training sessions. The team has made tremendous strides ever since their 80-00 demolition by Uganda’s Thunderbirds in 2005. Blackbuck is currently one of the best rugby playing teams in Africa, currently ranked 8th on the continental scene. In last year’s Kyadondo 7’s tournament, Blackbuck finished third and Angelique Nzabanita scooping the Most Valuable Player award and top scorer. Hosts, Kyadondo rugby club will provide accommodation, internal transport and food for all participating teams. Meanwhile, the Blackbucks will in early August head to South Africa to participate in the inaugural Africa women’s cup 7’s tournament due to take place in East London city, from August 7-9. The tournament will attract top teams including the hosts South Africa, England, Canada, France, Australia, USA, and New Zealand, Samoa, Wales, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Tunisia and Zambia. The tournament will be the first high profile event for the Rwandan team and it will be used as preparation for the 2009 7s World Cup in Dubai.Ends
