Kigezi Queens Secure Boardroom Decision to Compete in National 7s in Mbarara

National 7s

Host-Mbarara

Dates-Sept 28 and 29

The Kigezi Queens women’s rugby football club will compete in the national 7s in Mbarara this weekend, after successfully winning a petition over a nullified qualifier circuit.

The Kabale-based side, which had won the first national qualifier circuit in Kiroro with 22 points, saw their hopes for national competition dented by a Western Region technical committee that nullified the results, considering only the second and last qualifier results from Fort Portal, where they finished second to Buddu Cuppaz with one slot at stake.

However, the Uganda Rugby Union technical committee listened to the Queens’ pleas and ruled in their favour, allowing both qualifiers to be considered.

With 19 points from Fort Portal, the Queens emerged on top with 41 points from the two qualifiers, while Buddu Cuppaz finished second with 39 points.

“We have received communication from URU, confirming that Kigezi Queens are the top side. The committee has also granted Buddu Cuppaz a slot in the championship, meaning the Western Region will field two female teams,” said Timothy Iraka, the Western Region rugby development officer.

The Queens will be joined by Buddu Cuppaz in an exceptional slot allocation for the Western Region, along with Kigezi Silverbacks, Mbarara Titans, Buddu Bears, and hosts MUSTangs, in the battle for national honours at the championship set for this Saturday and Sunday (September 28 and 29) at Kakyeka Stadium.

Meanwhile, the female hostesses Mbarara Lionesses have pulled out of the event due to player safety concerns.

“Most of their players are still too young to compete in a national championship, so it was deemed safer for them to watch from the terraces,” said Iraka.

The Mbarara circuit is the 6th and final competition, with Platimu Credit Heathens leading on 95 points, followed by defending champions Stanbic Black Pirates on 86, and Walukuba Barbarians in third on 71. In the women’s category, Avengers lead with 102 points, with defending champions Black Pearls trailing in second on 96, and Thunderbirds closely following on 92.