Heathens have been crowned the overall champions of the 2024 National Rugby 7s series, marking their first victory since 2013.
This triumph adds a 12th title to their record in the competition. Despite a rocky start in the season’s opening circuit in Entebbe, Heathens bounced back, winning two circuits and consistently finishing in the semifinals and finals to accumulate points and stay atop the standings.
Heathens’ journey to the championship was highlighted by victories at the Gulu 7s and the Kyabazinga 7s.
In the final circuit of the season, the Rujumba 7s, a 33-0 quarterfinal win against Mongers secured their position as overall champions. Impressively, they conceded only four tries throughout the Rujumba 7s, a record unmatched by any other team.
Malcolm Okello, a standout player for Heathens, emerged as the top points scorer and MVP of the Rujumba 7s.
Reflecting on the team’s journey, he said, “It’s been a long journey. We didn’t start the season well, but we went back to the drawing board, won two circuits, and managed to stay on top.
We are thrilled to win the overall title, but we also wanted to win the Rujumba 7s. It wasn’t our day, but I’m proud of my teammates for their tireless efforts and for creating opportunities for me to score.”
Heathens have dominated the 2023-2024 Uganda rugby season, claiming the Uganda Cup, the Nile Special Rugby Championship, and now the National Rugby 7s title.
However, their Rujumba 7s campaign ended in heartbreak as they lost 17-12 to rivals Pirates in the final held at Kings Park Arena, Bweyogerere, on October 6, 2024.
The match was officiated by Zimbabwean referee Tinashe Kamwenje. In a tense and closely contested match, Pirates’ Timothy Kisiga opened the scoring with a try and conversion, giving his team a 7-0 lead.
Heathens responded through a try by Malcolm Okello, though the conversion was missed, leaving the score at 7-5 in favor of Pirates at halftime.
The second half saw Pirates extend their lead to 12-5 through a try by Paul Bagota. Heathens responded with a try by Nobert Okeny, followed by a successful conversion from Okello, leveling the score at 12-12 and pushing the match into extra time.
In the extra time’s second half, a key moment saw Heathens’ Etwau Denis lose the ball forward after a tackle, and Pirates’ Conrad Wanyama capitalized with a dummy and break to score the winning try, sealing the match 17-12.
Pirates’ journey to the final included a 19-12 win over Buffaloes in the quarterfinals and a 15-7 victory against Hippos in the semifinals. Heathens, meanwhile, defeated Mongers 33-0 in the quarters and Walukuba 33-5 in the semis.
With the conclusion of the series, Heathens topped the standings with 127 points, narrowly edging out Pirates, who finished with 125 points.
Buffaloes secured third place with 101 points, while Kobs finished with 99. Walukuba and Hippos tied at 98 points each.
The MVP of the Rujumba 7s and the top points scorer of the season was Heathens’ Malcolm Okello, while Hossana Opileni of Rams RFC claimed the top try scorer award.
