Uganda Rugby Union gets new coach

By Johnson Were

The Rugby Cranes' morale has been boosted by the timely arrival of South African coach John Duncan after his predecesor Johannes Beukes resigned early this month citing personal reasons.

Duncan who Tuesday evening met the team takes charge with immediate ahead of Saturday’s Elgon Cup return leg against Kenya while Robert Sseguya remains assistant coach.

“Yes he is taking charge effective the Elgon Cup against Kenya and Sseguya is his assistant,” URU CEO Ramsey Olinga confirmed the development.

South African coach John Duncan instructing Rugby Cranes Forwards at Kyadondo rugby club. His timely arrival ahead of Saturday's Elgon Cup clash against Kenya has boosted morale in the team. PHOTO/JOHNSON WERE

Duncan’s first task is to overturn the 20-17 Elgon Cup first leg defeat in Nairobi and then lead the team in the Rugby Africa Cup Tier 1B battle for promotion to tier 1A.

The Rugby Africa tier 1B due July 5-11 has Mauritius, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Botswana and Uganda.

South African Coach John Duncan chats with his assistants Anthony Kinene (C) and Robert Sseguya (R) during the Rugby Cranes training at Kyadondo rugby club. PHOTO/JOHNSON WERE

The former Queens College 15s team coach is in Uganda due to the partnership between URU and Free State-Cheetahs Rugby Union of South Africa.