Rapids claim back-to-back Rujumba 7s victories

Women's rugby in Uganda is taking a shift, with Nile Rapids Women Rugby Club becoming the new face of the sport in the female gender.

The Jinja-based side beat fellow regional rivals Walukuba Titans 15-10 in the final to win the Rujumba Rugby 7s circuit at Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere, Wakiso district, on Sunday.

The win gave the Rapids back-to-back victories in the six-leg race, which has now had two completed rounds.

The win is a sign that the Rapids are on the right track to achieving their agenda of becoming the top female rugby team in the country, according to coach Ronald Odakai.

"We opened the competitions with victory. This weekend's success proved the determination of the girls because winning on away turf in such a competitive tournament is not easy," Odakai said.

Tunisian fans cheer on their team during the women's rugby final at Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere. PHOTO: Johnson Were

"What we want is the overall title, but it is still early to celebrate. We now turn our focus to the next circuit at Kyadondo, and we shall take each game at a time as a final," he added.

En route to the final, the Rapids beat 2025 champions Thunderbirds 12-5 in a grueling semi-final, while Walukuba outsmarted Entebbe-based Avengers 22-17 in the other semi-final.

Eight clubs participated, including Ewes, Avengers, Elgon Wolves, Black Pearls, Thunderbirds, Walukuba Titans, and Nile Rapids.