In March 2020, the doors to rugby were slammed shut in the faces of all – players and fans alike – by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Stadiums, pitches, gyms and tracks closed as the situation looked unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.

Close to a year later, in February 2021, life was breathed into the sport with the announcement of a return-to-rugby tournament for the top tier men’s premier league. Ten teams would take part in a new single leg round robin tournament in which the winner at the end of the nine match days would take it all.

And it was Kobs Rugby Club that took it all. Literally and in every sense of the word. Having added skilled and experienced players to their already strong arsenal, Kobs were unstoppable as they marched undefeated to their first league title since 2016.

In second place was defending champions Heathens and close by in third place were Black Pirates, both of whom had a realistic mathematical chance at winning the title going into the final matchday.

Jinja Hippos were best of the rest in fourth place as they assumed control of the mid table. Coach Robert Seguya’s boys played an exciting brand of rugby led by top points scorer captain Maxwell Ebonga.

The midfield was completed by Buffaloes and Mongers who blew hot and cold through the season, and Rhinos who began their recovery after narrowly surviving relegation last year. Impis tied on points with Rhinos and went another place up the log in their second season after promotion.

There was no relegation for the season. However, Warriors and Rams were tied on points in the bottom two relegation zone. Warriors had no bonus point but got one win against Rams who only collected losing bonus points.

It was a short yet thrilling tournament for both the players and fans who had longed for the beautiful sport to return after close to a year on the sidelines.

The Uganda Lady Rugby Cranes coaches have summoned forty three for national team training.

Head coaches, Leonard Lubambula and Charles Onen, identified the talent they need for this year’s international rugby engagements from the women’s regional 10s championships played across the country in April.

Of the forty three, Central Region champions Black Pearls have the highest proportion with 11 players summoned.

The Lady Rugby Cranes Fifteens expect to kick off their international season in a month’s time with the Elgon Cup match against Kenya on June 11 followed by the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in July.

The Sevens team on the other hand will be in action between August and September with the Rugby Africa Sevens World Cup pre-qualifiers.

Full list of Players

Forwards: Angel Ziwa (Avengers), Charity Atimango (Thunderbirds), Charlotte Theresa Mudoola (Black Pearls), Doreen Sijali (Avengers), Esther Maliam L (Kitgum Queens), Faith Namugga (Avengers), Fazila Namukwaya (Avengers), Jamilah Apio (Gulu Sprinters), Lydia Namabiro (Black Pearls), Lyton Nakabugo (Thunderbirds), Maimuna Nasozi (Avengers), Mary Auma (Kitgum Queens), Mary Gloria Ayot (Black Pearls), Mercy Adongpiny (Kitgum Queens), Nancy Laker (Gulu Sprinters), Patricia Anek (Kitgum Queens), Peace Lekuru (Avengers), Peace Mirembe (Black Pearls), Salamusida Babirye (Black Pearls), Sarah Kirabo (Avengers), Teddy Iwutung (Thunderbirds), Winnie Atyang (Thunderbirds), Yvonne Najjuma (Thunderbirds), Zauma Nashuha (Mbale Eagles).

Backs: Abbo Izabella (Blue Whales), Agnes Nakuya (Thunderbirds), Asha Nakityo (Thunderbirds), Bushira Namutebi (Black Diamonds), Christine Akello (Avengers), Emily Lekuru (Black Pearls), Flavia Ageno (Kitgum Queens), Gladys Aciro (Kitgum Queens), Grace Auma (Black Pearls), Julie Nandawula (Avengers), Masitula Nambozo (Mbale Eagles), Racheal Mufuwa (Black Pearls), Rebecca Koli (Kitgum Queens), Rita Nadunga (Black Pearls), Samiya Ayikoru (Thunderbirds), Suzan Adong (Black Pearls), Tina Akello (Black Pearls), Winnie Nabulo (Thunderbirds), Proscovia Ayero (Kitgum Queens).