The winner of this year's Guinness 7s circuits will receive a sh3m cash prize with the second and third getting sh2m and sh1m respectively.

Uganda Rugby Union CEO Ramsey Olinga lauded Guinness for their commitment to grow rugby in the country and appealed to other corporates to emulate them.

He added that out of the sh250m, sh10m will be a cash prize for the top three teams with the overall winner getting sh3m, runners-up sh2m, and third sh1m while the winner of each circuit shall get sh500,000=.

“Besides the prizes, participating teams will receive support on accommodation, transport of teams, and organisation costs when hosting a circuit,” He added.

Meanwhile, Warriors' CEO, Emmanuel Fudribo, the hosting club disclosed this on Thursday at the launch of the tournament that is sponsored by Guinness to a tune of sh250m.

“One feels much joyful if honoured when still alive. That is why we shall honour the legends of Uganda rugby who are still alive at the Mileke 7s on Saturday and Sunday,” Fudribo said.

He cited former women rugby 7s team coach Helen Buteme, Mudoola brothers Timothy and Fred, their sister Charlotte Mudoola, Rugby Cranes coach who is battling cancer  Robert Seguya, Allan Musoke, and  John Musoke as some of the living legends to be honoured.

Elizabeth Matamuliza, Guinness Brand Manager assured rugby of her company’s commitment to growing the sport.

“We have supported the sport for years and we are committed to continuing doing so,” Matamuliza said.

Vicent Otim, the chairman of the organising committee said that six circuits have three upcountry legs in Gulu, Soroti, and Kabale.

And those in the central region will be the Mileke 7s, Rujumba 7s at Kings Park in Bweyogerere, and Coronation7s at Legends.

The Milete 7s is in memory of the late Patrick Mileke, father to Aredo brothers Gabriel, Erasmus, and Joseph Aredo who plays rugby for Kobs and Warriors respectively. 

The 7s circuits start with Milete 7s on Saturday, then the Gulu 7s on October 9, Soroti 7s the following weekend, and then Rujumba 7s in Bweyogerere.

The teams will then head to Kigezi land in Kabale and climax the tournament with the Coronation 7s at legends.

Ten core teams including, Stanbic Pirates, Heathens, Buffaloes, Plascon Mongers, Sailors, Rams, Impis, Jinja Hippos, Warriors, and defending champions Kobs will be joined by four invited teams to form sixteen.

Guinness 7s circuits

October 2-3, 2021: Mileke 7s

October 9, 2021: Gulu 7s

October 16, 2021: Soroti 7s

October 30-31: Rujumba 7s

November 6, 2021: Kigezi 7s

November 13-14, 2021: Coronation 7s