The Elgon Cup encounter between Kenya Simbas and Uganda Cranes has been cancelled, organizers have confirmed .
Uganda Rugby Union, in a Friday statement signed by Honarary Secretary Peter Odong, said that the competition, which was slated for July 23rd and 30th, 2022 in Uganda and Kenya will not take place.
The Uganda Rugby Union said Kenya has withdrawn from the competition citing economic constraints and coronavirus side effects.
“As you are aware, the annual Rugby matches between Uganda and Kenya ‘The Elgon Cup’ were scheduled to take place on 23rd July 2022 and 30th July 2022 in Uganda and Kenya respectively. We regret to inform you that these have been canceled for this year, 2022,”reads a statement Uganda Rugby Union
“Kenya Rugby Union has informed us that with prevailing economic conditions and the looming general elections, in their Country, they are unable to play the Cup this year.
“As a partner, we duly understand and wish them the best in the remainder of their competitions. As we look forward to the rest of the international seasons for the Uganda teams still participating,” it added.
On it’s part, the Kenya Rugby Union also confirmed the development in a statement signed by KRU Honorary Secretary Ian Mugambi on Friday.
“Following consultations internally within the Kenya Rugby Union, and with our stakeholders and sponsors, we regrettably will be unable to participate in the Elgon Cup 2022 that was slated for later this month,” the statement reads.
“This is as a result of the prevailing economic conditions in the aftermath of Covid 19 , we are not in a position to confirm our participation in this year’s tournament.
“Indeed, we do recognize the Uganda Rugby Union as a key stakeholder without whom we would not be able to advance the growth of rugby and regret any inconvenience that the cancellation has caused to player and fans on both sides of the border.” It concluded.
The Elgon Cup was founded in 2004 and is contested between the rugby union teams of Kenya and Uganda. The tournament is named after Mt. Elgon that boarders the two countries and is played on a home and away basis annually.