It’s been a bruising week for Ugandan rugby, both on the field and in global standings. The Rugby Cranes, once hopeful contenders in the Rugby Africa Cup, now find themselves teetering on the edge of relegation after back-to-back defeats to Kenya and a shock loss to Morocco.
The blow from Kenya, a long-time rival, was painful, but the unexpected defeat to Morocco on Day 2 of the tournament has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s rugby fraternity. The loss not only eliminated any chance of silverware but also came with a significant price, a drop in the World Rugby rankings.
Uganda, which kicked off the competition ranked 41st globally, has now slid down to 48th, thanks to World Rugby’s points exchange system. In this model, losing to a lower-ranked team means forfeiting ranking points, while the winning side earns them. As a result, Morocco, previously ranked 39th, has now leapfrogged to 37th, benefiting directly from Uganda’s stumble.
This ranking decline adds historical sting. The last time Uganda soared high in global rugby was in 2008, when they reached a best-ever 31st position after winning the Africa Cup the previous year in Madagascar. Fast forward to 2025, and the picture is much darker.
The Rugby Cranes’ future in the elite division now hinges on a relegation playoff against Côte d’Ivoire, who sit at a distant 64th in the world rankings. A loss in that match would not only confirm Uganda’s fall from the top tier but also cause another damaging drop in global position.
Ugandan fans, still reeling from the recent results, are hoping for a turnaround. But with morale shaken and pressure mounting, the upcoming clash with Ivory Coast is shaping up to be more than a must-win, it’s a battle for Uganda’s rugby identity.
As the dust settles, questions will undoubtedly arise around preparation, coaching, and squad depth. But for now, the focus must be singular; survive, and restore pride.
