Desire Ayera is one of the Uganda 7s players that has been in camp preparing for the World Rugby Repechage games.

1.How did you start playing rugby?

Started playing in High school with Makerere College. I then played one year Sailors and graduated to the senior team Stanbic Black Pirates in 2016. While at Pirates, I was summoned for the National team training in 2017 but didn’t make the cut. I then successfully made it to the 7s team in 2018.

2. Best moment on the Uganda Sevens team?

Going for the Rugby World Cup 7s in San Francisco in 2018.

3. What appealed to you most about the game of rugby?

My brother Ruhweza Alema aka Didi. He used to play the game and I decided to try it out too.

4. What do you love about the game?

I love the game because people of all sizes and heights can play it. The contact bit of it made me love the sport more.

5.How do you feel about participating in the repechage games?

I feel good since we will be playing countries that also participate in the World Rugby 7s Series so it will give us a taste of what it will feels to play against such teams in the series.

6. Where does this rate in your rugby highlights?

It’s a huge achievement because it draws us closer to qualifying for Olympics which is a huge sporting platform.

7.  List your career highs and lows

Lows: Not being able to participate in the Rugby Africa Sevens tournament in 2017 which doubled as a World Cup Qualifier. This tourney took Uganda to the World Cup.

Highs: Representing Uganda in the maiden appearance at the Rugby World Cup 7s in San Francisco in 2018. It is historic.

8. Most influential people in your rugby journey?

My big brother Didi Ruhweza

My high school coach Richard Lumu

Dennis Etuket of Stanbic Black Pirates

9.Rugby Role models

Kalione Nasoko and Richie McCaw

10. What are your interests outside rugby?

Swimming and hanging out with friends

11.Which team do you look forward to playing against?

Chile and Hong Kong because we have played them before.

12. A word to the upcoming rugby players.

Be eager to learn not to argue.
Have a positive attitude.
There’s life after rugby so prepare for it.