The team of 16 sets off today for Hong Kong. Below, are more profiles:

Didier Kamanzi
Prop

Kamanzi also fondly nicknamed Macho macho (from Macho Ine (four eyes) because he dons spectacles off the pitch) is the Silverbacks captain in the rugby 15s. He might have become a little bigger in the waist but his legs can still carry him at a fairly good pace.

A former centre for Lion de fer in its hay days, Kamanzi has very superb ball passing and handling skills. He also seldom misses a tackle and one can always trust him to be among the first to reach a break-down ball and ruck. He has scored many tries just by being in the right supporting position.

Olivier Uwamahoro
Hooker

Uwamahoro who usually plays Centre has been switched to Hooker after playing the role perfectly during the recent Lions des fer 7s tourney and subsequent training sessions.
This new discovery gives the Silverbacks more flexibility on the bench as he can always switch to his traditional role.

He is gifted with pace and easily reads the game for possible gaps to hit. He might not be the best at defence but he will coil himself on any opponent like a suicide jacket.

Umahoro doesn’t know how to hide frustration but fortunately, if it ever occurs he sure transforms it into resolve to succeed. He has several caps to his name.

Benjamin Akami Makombe
Prop

Makombe, who made his Silverbacks debut in 2007 has since honed his never say die attitude with each game. Just like his cousin Coko Marcel Cambara, he is gifted with pace and great defensive skills.

He is sure to take many opponents by surprise as they will not expect a prop to attempt making 50 metre sprints to the try line.

He is a good team player and will surely come in handy in rucks and mauls. He was also part of last year’s Hong Kong trip.

Ends