The East Africa rugby community is mourning the death of their own Herbert Wafula.

Wafula was a former Rugby Cranes XV and Rugby Cranes Sevens before turning to coaching.

The utility backline also guided Makerere Impis to their ever League trophy in 1996.

Herbert Wafula was part of the Rugby Cranes team that lifted the 2007 Africa Cup in Madagascar.

In his coaching career, Wafula coached the Rugby Cranes XV, Rugby Cranes Sevens, and clubs that include Kobs, Rhinos, and Pirates among others.

Wafula also served as Rwanda Sevens coach in 2017.

The Uganda Rugby Union confirmed Herbert Wafula’s death on their Facebook and X handles.

"It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Herbert Wafula, former  Uganda Rugby Cranes captain, coach, team manager, and URU Country Manager.

May his soul rest in eternal peace, the Union wrote," URU said in a statement.

Kenya Rugby has also mourned the death of Wafula on their Facebook and X handles.

"We join Uganda Rugby Union and the Ugandan rugby fraternity in mourning former Uganda Rugby Cranes captain, coach, team manager, and administrator Herbert Wafula.

Thank you for the memories.

Rest in Peace Herbo, " they said.

LegendsByNondiesKE have also expressed their heartful mourning for the death of Wafula on their X handle.

“We join the Ugandan Rugby Fraternity in mourning as we celebrate the life of Herbert Wafula, a true Legend and a great servant of the game. Rest in Power Brother,” 

Wafula has been a weekly column writer for the New Vision on matters related to Rugby.

Rest Well Wafula.