The central 15-a-side league concludes this weekend with a top-of-the-table clash between Kyambogo and Victoria Sharks, with the Rugby Championship playoffs on the line.
The Victoria Sharks host Kyambogo at Kyadondo Rugby Club and the latter hope to exert revenge for the 21-09 loss in the first round.
Sharks sit unbeaten and on top, separated from Kyambogo on points difference. The Sharks were docked three points earlier in the season for fielding ineligible players after a complaint lodged by Kyambogo, hence the total of 30 points.
Kyambogo contends that these players were still signed with other clubs and participated in several games that put the Sharks on top.
The Uganda Rugby Union, through the region body (CURA – Central Uganda Rugby Association) responded and explained that World Rugby regulations allow for special attention to student-athletes.
“World Rugby Regulation 4.5.8 “A Player may not be registered simultaneously with more than one Union unless the Player is aged under 18 years old; or is a student that has reached the age of majority and is in full-time education (“Student”) which for the avoidance of doubt excludes any Contract Player; or has reached the age of majority and is a full-time member of the armed services.”
The players in question are Peter Bisaso (Associated with Platinum Credit Heathens), Awan David (associated with Stanbic Black Pirates), and Rowland Wokorach (associated with Impis).
CURA acknowledged that they had business with these clubs at the beginning of the rugby calendar, and also confirmed that there was a brief transfer window (14 days) for clubs in the central league to organize themselves and these players were acquired in that window.
Therefore, the three players are not recognized as part of the 60-man competing squads of their mother clubs but rather attached to Victoria Sharks as they were released on loan to the Sharks for Education purposes with Victoria University.
With all this back and forth, this fixture is set up to be a classic. The winner of this tie will join northern region champions Gulu City Falcons, the East’s Elgon Wolves, and the winner between Kigezi Silverbacks and Budu Bears in the Western region league in a four-team promotion playoff starting 11th May.
Courtesy Photos
