1000 Hills Rugby Club is proud to announce that five of our senior men’s sevens players have joined Jinja Hippos Rugby Club in Uganda on a short-term loan to compete in the 2025 Uganda Rugby 7s Series, which begins on August 2nd and 3rd with the Central Region Kabaka Coronation Rugby 7s, hosted in celebration of the Buganda Kingdom.
The five selected players are:
1. Jean Paul Hajali
2. Shalom Kuneshanukwayo
3. Chance Iradukunda
4. Johnson Kayihura
5. Robert Harerimana
The players departed Kigali and arrived in Kampala, Uganda on Wednesday, July 23rd, before proceeding to Jinja on Thursday, July 24th, where they joined the Jinja Hippos training camp ahead of the opening series.
The five selected players are:
1. Jean Paul Hajali
2. Shalom Kuneshanukwayo
3. Chance Iradukunda
4. Johnson Kayihura
5. Robert Harerimana
The players departed Kigali and arrived in Kampala, Uganda on Wednesday, July 23rd, before proceeding to Jinja on Thursday, July 24th, where they joined the Jinja Hippos training camp ahead of the opening series.
A Regional Partnership for Growth
This milestone is the result of a growing partnership between 1000 Hills Rugby and Jinja Hippos Rugby Club — built on mutual respect and a shared vision for regional rugby development in East Africa.
This collaboration supports:
Player development and mentorship
Exchange of skills and knowledge
Access to international competition
Stronger East African rugby ties
Rather than a one-time loan, we see this as the foundation of a long-term partnership that will benefit both clubs, their athletes, and the broader rugby community in the region.
This collaboration supports:
Player development and mentorship
Exchange of skills and knowledge
Access to international competition
Stronger East African rugby ties
Rather than a one-time loan, we see this as the foundation of a long-term partnership that will benefit both clubs, their athletes, and the broader rugby community in the region.
Elevating Our Players on a Bigger Stage
Through this opportunity, our players gain access to:
A competitive, high-performance environment
Valuable international match experience
Personal growth by adapting to new systems and cultures
The pride of representing Rwanda across borders
We extend our sincere appreciation to Jinja Hippos for warmly welcoming our players and committing to their continued growth and success during this tournament.
“This is more than rugby. It’s about growth, experience, and building bridges between clubs and countries. We’re learning every day.”
— Shalom Kuneshanukwayo, 1000 Hills Player
A competitive, high-performance environment
Valuable international match experience
Personal growth by adapting to new systems and cultures
The pride of representing Rwanda across borders
We extend our sincere appreciation to Jinja Hippos for warmly welcoming our players and committing to their continued growth and success during this tournament.
“This is more than rugby. It’s about growth, experience, and building bridges between clubs and countries. We’re learning every day.”
— Shalom Kuneshanukwayo, 1000 Hills Player
What's Next?
The Uganda 7s Series will run from August 2nd to September 28th, with seven legs hosted across Uganda’s central, eastern, western, and northern regions. The tournament brings together the best of East African sevens rugby in a high-intensity, multi-city competition that highlights both emerging and elite talent.
Our players will compete at every stage, gaining firsthand experience in fast-paced, elite-level sevens rugby while proudly representing Rwanda.
Stay tuned as we share:
Match results and player stats
Behind-the-scenes content from Uganda
Personal stories from our athletes on loan
Sport as a Bridge for Development
This partnership reflects the core mission of 1000 Hills Rugby: using sport as a tool for education, employability, and regional unity. We're proud to see our players break new ground and raise the Rwandan flag beyond our borders.
Our players will compete at every stage, gaining firsthand experience in fast-paced, elite-level sevens rugby while proudly representing Rwanda.
Stay tuned as we share:
Match results and player stats
Behind-the-scenes content from Uganda
Personal stories from our athletes on loan
Sport as a Bridge for Development
This partnership reflects the core mission of 1000 Hills Rugby: using sport as a tool for education, employability, and regional unity. We're proud to see our players break new ground and raise the Rwandan flag beyond our borders.
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🔗 #1000HillsRugby | #JinjaHippos #RugbyForDevelopment
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