The much-anticipated Elgon Cup clash between Uganda and Kenya that was scheduled to be played on 23, July 2022 and 30 July 2022 respectively has been cancelled by Kenya Rugby Union.
In a statement released on Friday, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) said with Covid-19 having taken a heavy toll on some of its stakeholders and sponsors, they are unable to field teams in the competition. Kenya Simbas have dominated the competition, lifting the title in the last four editions.
“Following consultations internally within the Kenya Rugby Union, and with our stakeholders and sponsors, we regrettably report that we will be unable to participate in the Elgon Cup 2022 that was slated for later this month,” said KRU Honorary Secretary Ian Mugambi.
Mugambi further noted the current prevailing economic conditions in the country and globally could not allow the national team to participate in the Elgon cup.
“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.”
Uganda Rugby on their part accepted the decision by the Kenya national team to pull out and not participate in this year’s edition.
“Kenya Rugby Union has informed us that with the prevailing economic conditions and the looming general elections in their country, they are unable to play the cup this year”, part of the statement by Uganda rugby reads.
The duel had been scheduled to take place 23rd and 30th July in Uganda and Kampala respectively.
This year’s edition would have marked a return of the fixture following a two-hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic and related ban on public gatherings.
Kenya Simbas have dominated the competition, lifting the title in the last four editions.
In the last edition held in 2019, Simba beat Uganda Cranes 29-21 on aggregate. Kenya Lionesses also retained the title after defeating Uganda Lady Cranes 79-19 on aggregate.
The 2020 and 2021 editions were cancelled due to Covid-19 pandemic.
The Elgon Cup is a two-leg competition between Neighbours Uganda and Kenya that is played on a home and away basis with Nairobi and Kampala hosting either game.