Sprinter Bayigga switches to rugby
Oct 08, 2008
NATIONAL sprinter Justin Bayigga has been drafted into the Rugby Sevens World Cup bound Lady Cranes’ squad. Bayigga, who represented Uganda in the 400m race at the Beijing Olympics in August, is expected to enhance the team’s pace ahead of the World Cup due in March 2009 in Dubai.
By Douglas Mazune
NATIONAL sprinter Justin Bayigga has been drafted into the Rugby Sevens World Cup bound Lady Cranes’ squad. Bayigga, who represented Uganda in the 400m race at the Beijing Olympics in August, is expected to enhance the team’s pace ahead of the World Cup due in March 2009 in Dubai.
Bayigga, who keenly watched Monday’s training session at Kyadondo Rugby Club, took to the pitch last evening.
“I enjoy watching rugby on T.V and it excites me. When I was approached I accepted to give it a shot. I see some of the girls are big while others are even smaller than me, I think I will manage,†Bayigga said.
The athlete who is currently off season said she would dedicate ample time to rugby.
Lady Cranes coach Robert Seguya explained that since Bayigga was an athlete her body will be easily conditioned.
“Some tackles are painful but rugby is not as dangerous as soccer. In rugby you are aware that your opponent’s intention is to tackle you but with soccer you expect somebody to kick the ball but he injures your leg instead,†Seguya explained in a pep-talk intended to erase fear from an attentive Bayigga.
Seguya was optimistic Bayigga’s inclusion would sharpen his team’s attack.
“We missed many tries against South Africa because we didn’t have a sprinter. A good sprinter doesn’t need to have a lot of technique in sevens rugby. She will do well,†Seguya stated.
Uganda lost to South Africa 24-0 in the final of the World Cup qualifiers in Kampala last month. The two finalists qualified for the World Cup finals in the Middle East state.
NATIONAL sprinter Justin Bayigga has been drafted into the Rugby Sevens World Cup bound Lady Cranes’ squad. Bayigga, who represented Uganda in the 400m race at the Beijing Olympics in August, is expected to enhance the team’s pace ahead of the World Cup due in March 2009 in Dubai.
Bayigga, who keenly watched Monday’s training session at Kyadondo Rugby Club, took to the pitch last evening.
“I enjoy watching rugby on T.V and it excites me. When I was approached I accepted to give it a shot. I see some of the girls are big while others are even smaller than me, I think I will manage,†Bayigga said.
The athlete who is currently off season said she would dedicate ample time to rugby.
Lady Cranes coach Robert Seguya explained that since Bayigga was an athlete her body will be easily conditioned.
“Some tackles are painful but rugby is not as dangerous as soccer. In rugby you are aware that your opponent’s intention is to tackle you but with soccer you expect somebody to kick the ball but he injures your leg instead,†Seguya explained in a pep-talk intended to erase fear from an attentive Bayigga.
Seguya was optimistic Bayigga’s inclusion would sharpen his team’s attack.
“We missed many tries against South Africa because we didn’t have a sprinter. A good sprinter doesn’t need to have a lot of technique in sevens rugby. She will do well,†Seguya stated.
Uganda lost to South Africa 24-0 in the final of the World Cup qualifiers in Kampala last month. The two finalists qualified for the World Cup finals in the Middle East state.