The Flanker with Heart, Grit and Cranes Ambition
From water boy to man-of-the-match debutant, Moses Ali nicknamed “Savea” after All Blacks icon Ardie captures the raw grit of Ugandan rugby. The Rhinos RFC flanker juggles studies, injuries, and brutal double sessions, all while chasing a Uganda Rugby Cranes call up. We caught up with the rising star to trace his relentless path.
Humble Roots and Debut Glory
Ali’s fire for rugby ignited as a water boy, drawn in by his mates’ passion. “What kept me playing? My friends,” he says with a grin. His breakthrough came fast: man of the match on debut against Impis, a performance that announced his arrival.
Pride, Passion, Pain, and Key Influences
Ali’s eyes light up recalling his Premiership highlight—bagging two tries against Pirates at the Gulu Sevens. But the game has dealt harsh blows too. Late 2024’s Uganda Cup saw him sidelined with broken fingers. “Frustrating,” he admits. “But it hammered home patience and rehab’s value.”
Mentors have been pivotal: Coach Martial for unlocking his belief, Coach Makalama for foundational skills, and idol Ardie Savea for that world-class blueprint.
On-Field Edge: Speed and Fire
Undersized for a flanker, Ali dominates with “speed, heart, passion, vision, and aggression.” His message to Uganda’s next generation? “Train hard, stay disciplined, follow the rules, set goals and chase them.”
Dream XV? A powerhouse 23 blending Premiership talent: Props Santos, Kimbowa; hookers Faraji, Emiemu; locks Emong, Uhuru; loose forwards Odhiamo, Pius Ogena, Aturida Alex; scrumhalves Wanyama, Aaron (Heathens); flyhalves Aredo J., Ivan Magomu; centres Ian, Michael Wokorach; wingers Justin Kimono, Norbert Okeny; fullbacks Aaron Tukei, Haruna, Kemis Ibrahim. Bench muscle: Sylvester Munguachel, Ruhwenza Didi, Alhaji Manano, Patrick Okello, Shakim Sembusi, Daniels Otim, Malcom Okello, Gift Wokorach, Simon Makumbi.
Match-Day Ritual and Balancing Act
Game day is sacred: 7am rise for shower and highlights, fuel up with milk, bread, eggs, chapatis; light lunch of posho and beans followed by prayers; pitch-side tunes for focus.
Post-whistle? Team banter and recovery.
Ali balances it with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and Social Administration at Uganda Martyrs University. Morning drills, 9:30am-5:30pm lectures, evening sessions, weekend matches. “Not easy,” he concedes. “Discipline, plus a coach and employer who respect the rugby calendar, make it work.” Off-pitch recharge: family, friends, football, music.
Moses Ali (Savea) is still building, watch the space.