Nile Rapids on the brink of history after Lawii Rwodi 7s triumph
The Jinja-based club has now conquered three out of the four circuits played, putting them in prime position to seal their maiden overall National 7s title at their home circuit, the Kyabazinga 7s, which is next.
The Nile Rapids celebrate winning the Lawii Rwodi Rugby 7s title in Gulu. PHOTO: Johnson Were
Women Lawii Rwodi rugby 7s final result
Thunderbirds 7 Nile Rapids 12
Bronze Medalist
Shewolves 17 Avengers 19
Semifinals
Thunderbird 24 Shewolves 10
Avengers 5 Rapids 10 (in sudden death)
The Nile Rapids continued their stellar run, defeating the Thunderbirds 12–7 in a classic encounter to win the Lawii Rwodi Rugby 7s at Gulu University Ground in Gulu City.
Unity Namulala scored the match-winning try for the Rapids, a performance that earned her a well-deserved second Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Tournament accolade this season.
The Jinja-based club has now conquered three out of the four circuits played, putting them in prime position to seal their maiden overall National 7s title at their home circuit, the Kyabazinga 7s, which is next.
Their coach, Ronald Odakai, was excited about his girls pulling off a third win on away turf and is optimistic that they will deliver positive results at home.
Out of the four circuits, Nile Rapids has won the Stone City 7s, Rujumba 7s, and Lawii Rwodi 7s, with challenger Thunderbirds winning only the Kyadondo 7s circuit.
"This is beautiful testimony that we are on the right course to winning the overall championship. Winning another circuit on away turf comes down to absolute hard work and the unbreakable teamwork of these girls," Nile Rapids coach Ronald Odakai stated.
The two-day showpiece lived up to its billing, showcasing highly improved technical standards and unpredictable scorelines that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Thunderbirds' Grace Nabaggala is tackled by a Nile Rapids player during the Lawii Rwodi Rugby 7s final in Gulu. The Rapids emerged 12–7 winners. PHOTO: Johnson Were
The event was graced by high-profile dignitaries, including Gulu City Mayor Julius Labeja Acire, Omoro County Member of Parliament Hon. Andrew Ojok, and the Patron of Uganda Rugby, Dan Kidega.
Hon. Kidega highly commended the Uganda Rugby Union for honoring traditional heritage through sport. The Gulu leg was officially dubbed the Lawii Rwodi 7s to pay cultural homage to the Lawii Rwodi (the Paramount Chief), who serves as the cultural head and leader of the traditional chiefs of the Acholi chiefdoms.
The teams will now take a deserved two-week break before returning to action in Jinja for the Kyabazinga 7s at Bugembe Stadium.