Junior Sables finish Uganda tour on a high

Zimbabwe’s Junior Sables signed off their Uganda tour in impressive fashion, defeating the hosts’ Under-20 side 53-32 in an entertaining international Test at Muteesa II Stadium in Kampala.

The result provided an ideal conclusion to Zimbabwe’s time in Uganda, with the Junior Sables producing a commanding first-half performance to take a 31-6 lead into the break. Uganda responded strongly after half-time, but Zimbabwe maintained control to secure a nine-try victory.

The match offered both sides valuable international exposure following the conclusion of the Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy. For Zimbabwe, it was another opportunity for the players to test themselves and build experience after a demanding tournament campaign.

The Junior Sables had finished third in the Performance Division after losing 35-23 to eventual champions Kenya in the semi-final before bouncing back emphatically with a 38-12 victory over Tunisia in the bronze-medal match. That result ensured Zimbabwe retained their place in the Performance Division for the next edition.

Uganda, meanwhile, will now join Zimbabwe, Kenya and Namibia in the Performance Division after earning promotion following a dominant First Division campaign. The Junior Rugby Cranes had swept their two-match series against Zambia, including an 81-0 victory.

For Zimbabwe, the 53-32 victory is an encouraging way to close the tour. While there remains plenty of work to be done, the additional Test provided valuable game time for a young squad and another opportunity to develop the next generation of Zimbabwean rugby talent.