Rugby in Uganda will this weekend have her base in Jinja at Dam Waters as the Jinja Hippos host the premiere edition of the 2023 National Sevens.
Jinja Hippos go into the tournament as defending champions and favorites to defend their crown ahead of record winners Heathens, the resurgent Pirates and the indomitable Blue Army of the Kampala Old Boys.
Unlike the three, who managed two edition wins apiece, the Hippos won one edition (Kyabazinga 7s). Still, their consistency dictated that they were shoulders above the chasing pack at the end of the 2022 edition.
Hippos Head Coach Atibu reckons his side has remained intact since the last time Sevens was played in the country, and believes the success will carry from 2022 into the 2023 circuits.
The men will play alongside the women in the 2-day Dam Waters fete for which Nile Special promised to shut down Stone City.
“This will be a first of its kind,” revealed URU’s CEO, Isaac Lutwama.
Adding, “It’s consistent with the union’s strategy to grow the women’s game. We shall tap into the same fans who have always watched rugby to promote the women’s game, and people will begin to appreciate what they bring to the table. Soon they too will become household names.”
Courtesy Photos