The Blackrock College Rugby Football Club has announced an upcoming tour to Uganda this August, marking a symbolic reunion in East Africa after a 54-year hiatus. Founded in 1882, the Irish team will spend over a week engaging in sports diplomacy, community development, and cultural immersion, beginning with a match against the Uganda All Stars on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Kyadondo Rugby Club.
Following the game, the squad will travel eastward to Jinja, where they will visit the Spire School for the Blind and launch a Prisons Rugby Initiative at Kirinya Prison on August 18. The next day, August 19, will see the team hosting coaching workshops at multiple schools in Kakira, aiming to inspire young athletes and promote inclusivity in sports.
Mich Drawn, the club's president, highlighted the dual focus of the trip: "This journey goes beyond the field. Through partnerships with Irish charities, we're delivering training programs, donating equipment to nurture future rugby talent, and fostering connections with inmates through shared values of teamwork and resilience," he stated.
The tour's culmination will be a Legacy Day on Thursday, August 21, in Kakira, designed to create lasting community impact. The week concludes with a lively Fan Rugby 7s event on Friday, August 22, at the same venue.
Reflecting on the historical significance, Drawn noted: "We’re thrilled to reconnect with East Africa for the first time since 1971. Many members cherish memories of our previous visit, and this tour honors that legacy while building new bridges through rugby’s unifying spirit." He acknowledged the critical role of sponsors and donors in realizing the mission, calling it "a celebration of collective effort and rugby’s power to transcend borders."
Tickets for the eagerly anticipated Blackrock vs Uganda All Stars clash are now on sale, priced at UGX 10,000 for general admission, UGX 50,000 for VIP, and UGX 100,000 for premium VVIP access.
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