The Stanbic Black Pirates thought they had grabbed their second National Rugby 7’s trophy after their convincing 14-7 win over the Betway Kobs in the final of the Coronation Circuit at Legends ground on Saturday.

But their celebrations were short-lived when as it turned out the Kobs had a better try difference after they had tied on 121 overall circuit points each after Saturday’s action.

In the final, the Pirates were the better side pinning their opponents in their half for most of the match and it was no surprise when they led 14-0 until the last minutes of the match when Kobs pulled back a try and a conversion through their captain Joseph Aredo.

Betway Kobs captain Joseph Aredo (left) and Stanbic Pirates captain Isaac Massanganzira (right) pose with Prince David Wassajja (center) as they hold their trophies

The Stanbic Pirates had led through Timothy Kisiga and Alex Aturinda tries which Kisiga and Haruna Mohamed had converted that led them to win the Coronation circuit.

Having won three circuits each, the championship was decided on goal difference where Kobs edged the Pirates 966-908, to claim their 6th title since their first in 2015. Pirates last won the circuit in 2018.

“We are going to build on this momentum when the league starts in January,” Aredo said.

Stanbic Pirates players celebrate after they won the Coronation circuit

The overall winners picked an sh3m cheque while the second and third-placed teams (Pirates and Heathens) pocketed sh2m and sh1m each respectively.

Prince David Wasajja who presided over the final alongside other officials said the Kingdom will continue working with the Uganda Rugby Union to develop the sports in Buganda and Uganda.

“Rugby has the potential to emerge as one of the best sports in Buganda and Uganda so we pledge to continue promoting the sport. As a trustee of the sport we need to ensure Uganda can develop to greater heights, all they need is support,” Wasajja noted.

Betway Kobs captain Joseph Aredo (left) and Stanbic Pirates captain Isaac Massanganzira (right) poses with Prince David Wassajja (center) and other officials from the sponsors representatives and URU

Elizabeth Mutamuliza the Guinness brand manager said the circuit was a success and noted that what was left was to take the sport to other towns across the country to ensure the sport continues to grow because it is loved across the country.

Semi-finals

Pirates 19 Heathens 12

Mongers 7 Kobs 52

Final

Pirates 14 Kobs 7

Challenge Trophy

Sailors 0 Rhinos 12

Impis 27 Jaguar 0

Challenge Final

Rhinos 10 Impis 12

Individual Awards

MVP: Conrad Wanyama (Pirates)