It is that time of the rugby calendar once again, where the beautiful sport makes various stops across the nation, 24 teams playing at one venue, and two full days of exhilarating rugby action, on and off the pitch.
For the next two months, 12 men’ and 6 women’s core sides shall battle across 7 circuits of rugby 7s in August and September to determine who is crowned champion in their category based on accumulated points.
To start the campaign are the Kabaka Coronation 7s that were meant to be held at the Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, but were moved to Kyadondo Rugby Club due to the busy schedule at the previously earmarked venue. On the national 7s series calendar, the Coronation 7s were last held in November of 2021 and were won by the Black Pirates, who defeated the KOBs in the final.
Last year, the Kabaka Coronation 7s were held on an invitational basis, and were won by the Avengers, who were also the 2024 national 7s series champions, while the Walukuba Barbarians, who have made it a habit to claim invitational 7s titles, took home the honours in the men’s category. This year, both teams are back, but on a grander stage, to retain their titles, but it shall not be a walk in the park.
Relegated Warriors and Makerere Impis earned a spot to play in the Coronation 7s, and are joined by the Kisubi Pacers and Victoria Sharks as the invitational sides, by virtue of finishing in the top four of the first circuit of the Central Uganda Rugby 7s tournament held last Sunday at Kyadondo Rugby Club. At the same tournament, the Panthers and Ewes also earned an invitation to compete alongside 6 core sides this Saturday and Sunday.
The Kabaka Coronation Rugby 7s Competing Teams:
Women: Avengers, Black Pearls, Thunderbirds, Nile Rapids, She Wolves, Walukuba Titans, Ewes, Panthers.
Men: Heathens, Black Pirates, Buffaloes, KOBs, Jinja Hippos, Walukuba Barbarians, Rhinos, Mongers, Rams, Eagles, Gulu City Falcons, Victoria Sharks, Impis, Warriors, Kisubi Pacers.