Since the 1990s, Ugandan rugby has been absolutely dominated by two giants, Heathens and Kobs, who have swept all available silverware in the men’s competition. An unexpected dark horse snatches a title from them but that has occurred, at best, on a ten-year frequency.
Recently, the two giants have been shaken to the core by an exciting Black Pirates outfit who have enjoyed some success since 2017. A treble in 2018 and a double in 2023. Five years apart.
Since the turn of the decade into the 2020s, another force is emerging from Jinja in form of the Hippos. They clinched the 7s series in 2022 but a breakthrough in the XVs is still on the horizon.
There are signs of what is yet to come if Jinja Hippos maintain this momentum.
The 2024 Nile Special Rugby (Men’s) Championship has started on a promising note for the ten-year old club. After four rounds, they are currently in fifth place with two wins, one draw, and one loss.
The big story is how they have performed against the proverbial giants; Heathens, Kobs, and Black Pirates.
- Round One: Hippos 18-15 Kobs
- Round Three: Hippos 20-20 Heathens
- Round Four: Black Pirates 19-14 Hippos
In all three matches, Hippos’ coaches have shown tactical nous in the technical zone and the players have shown hunger on the pitch. Combined, the club has shown that they have the ingredients for success.
Although it has not been perfect and could have certainly been better, thus far, this is their best report card against the giants of Ugandan rugby.
Teams like Impis, Mongers, Buffaloes, and Rhinos (and Black Pirates too) have walked this path before Hippos. They have won some battles but they have not won the war (apart from Black Pirates).
It is now Hippos’ turn and this is the closest they have come. The proof of the pudding, however, will be seen from how far in the playoffs they will go.
