As the 2025 Uganda Rugby Premiership continues to unfold, two teams are generating significant attention: the defending champions, Platinum Credit Heathens, and the newcomers, Elgon Wolves.
The latter’s maiden season in the top flight has been anything but easy, as they face the steep learning curve that comes with competing against the seasoned veterans of Ugandan rugby.
A tough start for Elgon Wolves
For Elgon Wolves, the challenge of entering the top tier has been a baptism by fire.
Their first three fixtures have been nothing short of daunting: a tough opener against Plascon Mongers, followed by clashes with Stanbic Black Pirates, and their most recent match against the defending champions, Heathens.
These are teams that have consistently finished in the upper half of the Premiership standings for over a decade, making them formidable opponents for any side, let alone a newly promoted one.
The Wolves’ encounter with Heathens on January 24, 2025, was a brutal introduction to the realities of top-flight rugby.
Playing away from home for the first time, they faced a Heathens side that has built a reputation for ruthlessness.
The defending champions proved their dominance by handing Elgon Wolves an 83-06 defeat, with a commanding 54-03 scoreline at halftime.
Michael Wokorach was the standout performer for Heathens, scoring four tries in a clinical display of attacking rugby.
Heathens continue to prove their worth
Heathens’ head coach, Mohammed Athiyo, was candid in his assessment of the game, describing it as a “baptism of fire” for Elgon Wolves.
Despite the heavy loss, Athiyo acknowledged the effort and resilience shown by the Wolves, especially in brief moments when they rallied after halftime and asked some tough questions of the defending champions.
It was evident that Elgon Wolves have potential, but as Athiyo pointed out, the gap between regional teams and top-tier clubs is vast.
“There is room for improvement with the teams coming up from the region. Although you could say, for example, today was a baptism of fire for Elgon Wolves, despite it all, they put up a good fight,” said Athiyo in an interview after the game.
Heathens, meanwhile, continue to live up to their reputation. They are a team that mixes experience, clinical execution, and a relentless attacking mindset, making them a daunting force for any opponent in the Premiership.
Other results in the Uganda Rugby Premiership saw KOBs beat Eagles 71-23, while the home side Mongers fell to the visitors 32-40.
Jinja Hippos defeated the Warriors 41-15, and the Buffalos drew 12-all with Walukuba. Meanwhile, Black Pirates disciplined the new, experienced entrants, Victoria Sharks, with a 28-13 victory.
