Heathens are 2012 rugby champs

Apr 16, 2012

When Heathens won the 2009 national rugby title - thanks in large part to the three-point deduction imposed on Kobs for the infamous attack on a referee - no one would have guessed they would keep it for another three years.

By Johnson Were and Charles Mutebi

When Heathens won the 2009 national rugby title - thanks in large part to the three-point deduction imposed on Kobs for the infamous attack on a referee - no one would have guessed they would keep it for another three years. 

Kobs had won the championship between 2006 and 2008 and they looked unstoppable. Heathens looked old. 

“I was captain then,” recalls current Heathens coach Brian Tabaruka, “and there were a lot of people saying the team was old and needed to be broken up.

“Back then we were just trying to win one title, we would not have thought we would win another three.” 

The latest crown was wrapped up with aplomb, with Heathens thumping development side Buffaloes 44-3 at their home ground, Kyadondo Rugby Club. 

Kobs coach Fred Mudoola, a key figure in the referee-hitting scandal four years ago, remains emotional about the episode and holds strong views about the 2009 title.

“I don’t count that as a Heathens trophy,” stressed Mudoola, whose side thumped the Rhinos 38-0 in their final Nile Special Rugby League game. 

“We would have won that title if we had not lost three points, that’s obvious.” 

Whatever. 

Heathens have levelled Kobs record of ten titles and an 11th could follow next season. 

Tabaruka revealed: “The core of our team will be in place next season. We might make one or two changes but generally we will maintain the same team.” 

One player certain to remain a key part of the set up for some time to come is Jude Keremundu. The 23 year-old ended the 2012 league as top-scorer with 99 points and he bagged two tries in a man-of-the-match performance in Saturday’s title-clinching victory over the Buffaloes. 

Keremundu credited “hard work and sacrifice” for his and Heathens’ success. 

“When we come for training, every player works hard,” narrated the talented youngster. 

“You will not hear anyone grumble about the coach giving us too much to do.”

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