In the world of Ugandan rugby, where grit and passion collide, new stars are constantly forged. One such rising talent is Gulu Falcons Player, Alphones Openy, a 23-year-old force whose journey from self-doubt to the national stage is a testament to the power of belief, resilience, and the lessons learned off the pitch.

For Openy, rugby wasn’t an immediate calling. His journey began with the persistent encouragement of Watmon Fat Moses of the Buffaloes. “He kept telling me over and over again to join rugby even when I didn’t see it in myself,” Openy recalls. That persistent faith gave him the courage to try. The moment he stepped onto the field, he was hooked. He fell in love with the “energy, the toughness, and the brotherhood,” and from that point, a path was carved from Gulu to the national 7s series.

This season, Openy’s hard work and talent have been formally recognized. His explosive performances and consistent ability to cross the try line have not only made him one of the top scorers in the league but also earned him a coveted spot on the Nile Special Uganda7s, Team of the Season. This honour solidifies his status as one of the promising and impactful players in the country, marking a significant milestone in his young career.

Rugby, however, is a game that tests the spirit as much as the body. For Openy, his toughest challenge came in 2023 during the core status match against the Elgon Wolves. “We lost… it happened in the last minutes of the game,” he shares. The sting of that defeat was profound, but it ignited a fire within him. “I promised myself, the next time we play for the 7s core status, I will qualify no matter what and I will give it all my best.”

This pivotal moment taught him resilience and perseverance, forging him into a stronger, more determined player. It’s a lesson in how a setback can be the foundation for a major comeback.

Behind every great athlete are those who guide them. For Openy, that figure was his coach, Wamatu James. “The day he saw me at the pitch, he told me that I am national team material,” Openy remembers. Coach James saw his potential early, pushing him through moments of self-doubt and instilling values that extended far beyond the try line.

“He didn’t just teach me the game, he taught me the values behind the game: discipline, respect, and carrying yourself with humility.” One lesson from his coach remains his guiding principle: “Rugby will test your strength but it’s your character that defines you.” This mantra reminds him to respect the game, his opponents, and himself, whether winning or losing.

He also credits his grandmother as a vital support system, a constant source of prayers and powerful advice. “She always tells me to be disciplined. You never know where discipline will take you,” he says. “You never know who’s watching you in the stands.”

For the young boys and girls in Gulu and across Uganda with rugby dreams, Openy’s advice is simple yet powerful.

“It doesn’t matter which part of the country you are from,” he states. “Believe in yourselves, show up day in day out, go hit the gym, be respectful, and disciplined. It will lead you somewhere and you will reap what you sow.”

He encourages them to find role models, just as he looked up to stars like Philip Wokorach and Aaron Ofoyrwoth. “The youngsters should look up to someone whose footsteps they want to follow and use that as a burning desire to fuel their goals.”

Openy is just getting started. He remains humble, driven by a profound promise. “I made a promise to myself and my mum that one day I will represent this country and one day I’ll make her proud,” he affirms. “I believe in myself very much. And I know one day I will make it to the national team. No matter how long it takes.”

For Alfonso Openy, rugby has given him more than a game, it has given him discipline, resilience, and a family. His journey proves that from humble beginnings, with patience, guidance, and relentless hard work, you can reach places you never imagined. His final words echo the very spirit that defines him: “Don’t give up when it gets hard. Respect the game, respect yourself and always get back up. That’s the spirit of rugby and that’s what I carry with me every time I step on the pitch.”