Sports
Rams conquer Kyadondo as Thunderbirds reclaim women’s crown
Rams did not lose a game throughout the circuit, drawing only against Bweyogerere-based Pirates in the group stage. They went on to win all their knockout matches, defeating Pirates 19–5 in the semi-final before overcoming Heathens in the final.
The Thunderbirds defeated the She Wolves 24–7 in the final, with Gertrude Kateesa named MVP after scoring 11 tries over the two days. (Credit: Silvano Kibuuka)
By: Silvano Kibuuka, Journalist @New Vision
Kyadongo 7s finals
Men: Rams RFC 12 Platinum Heathens 10
Women: She Wolves 7 Thunderbirds 24
Rams Rugby Football Club and Thunderbirds were crowned men’s and women’s champions, respectively, after winning the third National Rugby Sevens Circuit at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds.
Rams, a Mulago Hospital-based side, celebrated their triumph after edging Platinum Heathens 12–10 in the men’s final on Sunday, capping an impressive unbeaten run on home soil.
Rams did not lose a game throughout the circuit, drawing only against Bweyogerere-based Pirates in the group stage. They went on to win all their knockout matches, defeating Pirates 19–5 in the semi-final before overcoming Heathens in the final.
The victory was particularly significant after Rams eliminated Walukuba, the defending 2025 champions who had also won the opening circuit in Jinja, as well as Pirates and Heathens on their way to the title.
Rams coach Jude Rwakayange praised his players for executing their game plan and producing MVP Semakula, who scored six tries over the two days, including two crucial tries in the final.
The Rams last won a Sevens Circuit in 2016 and are now targeting their first overall championship by maintaining their momentum in the remaining three circuits.
Rams did not lose a game throughout the circuit, drawing only against Bweyogerere-based Pirates in the group stage. They went on to win all their knockout matches, defeating Pirates 19–5 in the semi-final before overcoming Heathens in the final.
The victory was particularly significant after Rams eliminated Walukuba, the defending 2025 champions who had also won the opening circuit in Jinja, as well as Pirates and Heathens on their way to the title.
Rams, a Mulago Hospital-based side, celebrated their triumph after edging Platinum Heathens 12–10 in the men’s final on Sunday, capping an impressive unbeaten run on home soil. (Credit: Silvano Kibuuka)
Rams coach Jude Rwakayange praised his players for executing their game plan and producing MVP Semakula, who scored six tries over the two days, including two crucial tries in the final.
The Rams last won a Sevens Circuit in 2016 and are now targeting their first overall championship by maintaining their momentum in the remaining three circuits.
“I want to keep the progress, build on the success, and create space among the giant clubs. Finishing 11th in the first circuit in Jinja was a wake-up call, and we worked on better strategies to finish sixth at Kings Park. Now, on the third circuit, we are champions,” said Rwakayange.
In the women’s competition, defending 2025 champions Thunderbirds celebrated a return to winning ways after narrowly missing out in the opening two circuits.
The Thunderbirds defeated the She Wolves 24–7 in the final, with Gertrude Kateesa named MVP after scoring 11 tries over the two days.
“I am happy with the steady progress, but there is still a tough task ahead to defend the title. In Jinja, we lost in the final, while at Bweyogerere in the Rujumba Circuit, we finished third. We are now destined for Gulu, where we plan to arrive in time and prepare for the fourth circuit,” said Thunderbirds coach Kigongo.
He believes the team has a strong chance of defending the title if the players maintain their momentum.
The two winners each received Shs1 million and a trophy in a tournament that attracted 20 clubs across the men’s and women’s competitions.
In the women’s competition, defending 2025 champions Thunderbirds celebrated a return to winning ways after narrowly missing out in the opening two circuits.
The Thunderbirds defeated the She Wolves 24–7 in the final, with Gertrude Kateesa named MVP after scoring 11 tries over the two days.
“I am happy with the steady progress, but there is still a tough task ahead to defend the title. In Jinja, we lost in the final, while at Bweyogerere in the Rujumba Circuit, we finished third. We are now destined for Gulu, where we plan to arrive in time and prepare for the fourth circuit,” said Thunderbirds coach Kigongo.
He believes the team has a strong chance of defending the title if the players maintain their momentum.
The two winners each received Shs1 million and a trophy in a tournament that attracted 20 clubs across the men’s and women’s competitions.