THE national rugby team-Silverbacks has been hit by sad news that two of their first team players-fly half Francis Mugisha and Center forward Koko Cyambara will not take part in the prestigious Hima-Mak 10s tournament slated for this weekend.

The UNR Grizzlies pair is preparing for their end of year exams at the National University of Rwanda.

"It’s a huge blow because they are very vital players in the Silverbacks,” the team coach Gerard Nsenga conceded before adding that he still had a good team at his disposal to put up a big fight in Kampala.

The two-day event will attract 17 teams from Rwanda, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe and hosts Uganda.

At the end of the day, the winners will pocket Rwf4m while the first runners-up will be consoled with a Rwf2m cash package courtesy of tournament sponsors Hima cement factory. Uganda’s MTN Heathens are the defending champions.

Full squad:

B.Makombe(Captain),B.Ngizwenayo,O.Nikwigize,S.Nkurunziza,J.Twizeyimana,L.Muhire,I.Ahorukomeye,L.Bikamba,K.Vincent,D.Mugabo,J.Gatabazi,E.Mbarushimana,O.Nikwigize,O.Uwamahoro,B.Ruzibika,D.Kamanzi,E.Nemeye.