The National Rugby 7s tournament is set to make its way to Western Uganda, with Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) hosting the 6th circuit at Kakyeka Stadium on the 28th and 29th of September 2024.
This marks the seventh time that a 7s circuit will be held in the region, with the most recent being the Tooro 7s in 2023, where Kobs and Black Pearls emerged victorious.
The Mbarara-based MUSTangs, affiliated with Mbarara University, are eager to welcome rugby fans and teams for this event.
The region has previously hosted six circuits, starting with the Mbarara 7s in 2013, which saw the Heathens take the title, followed by the Kobs winning in 2018, the Pirates in 2019 and 2021, and the Kobs again in 2022.
The 2023 Tooro 7s saw Kobs win the men’s title, while Black Pearls triumphed on the women’s side. The MVPs were Joseph Aredo (Kobs) and Sarah Kirabo (Avengers) respectively.
In the previous circuit held in Jinja, Heathens secured back-to-back victories after a nail-biting 12-07 win against Walukuba Barbarians in extra time.
Meanwhile, Avengers RFC dominated the women’s side with a commanding 35-00 win over the Thunderbirds, marking their third victory in this 7s season.
The Mbarara 7s will feature several local teams, including the Kigezi Silverbacks, Mbarara Titans, Buddu Bears, and the hosts, MUSTangs, in the men’s competition.
On the women’s side, the Buddu Cuppaz and Kigezi Queens will represent the region.
The tournament promises to be exciting, especially on the women’s side, as national team 7s players will not be participating in the remaining circuits to prepare for the upcoming Safari 7s.
Pools for the Mbarara 7s:
Men’s Pools:
Pool A: Heathens, Elgon Wolves, Mongers, MUSTangs
Pool B: Walukuba, Kobs, Warriors, Buddu Bears
Pool C: Hippos, Rhinos, Impis, Mbarara Titans
Pool D: Buffaloes, Pirates, Rams, Kigezi Silverbacks
Women’s Pools:
Pool A: Avengers, Black Pearls, Kitgum Queens, Kigezi Queens
Pool B: Thunderbirds, Shewolves, Nile Rapids, Buddu Cuppaz
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