Rwanda’s women rugby side, Blackbucks will not take part in this year’s Africa Zone rugby World Cup qualifiers set for September 20-21 in Kampala, Uganda.

Rwanda Rugby Federation (RRF) has underlined that financial constraints have forced the Blackbacks’ withdrawal from the zonal World Cup qualifiers.

The RRF Assistant Technical Director, Joseph Bugabo said, "The national team lacked the funds to enable the team prepare thoroughly thus withdrawing from the world cup qualifiers,”

Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania are the only East African countries which will not take part in this month’s world cup qualifier whose finalists earn an automatic qualification to the International Rugby Board (IRB) 7s Rugby World Cup (RWC) in Dubai, UAE next March.

Hosts Uganda will have to wrestle nine other teams including Africa’s best South Africa, for a place in the maiden Women’s 7s RWC.

Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya, Botswana, Madagascar and Zambia will also take part in the qualifiers which will be held at Kyadondo Rugby Football Club.

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