Brace yourself, Uganda rugby faithful; the 2023-2024 calendar is set to start with additional doses of spices.
The URU Uganda Cup is set to return this November with twenty men’s teams and eight women’s teams vying for the first piece of silverware on offer for the new season.
Holders Platinum Credit Heathens and the Avengers will have their work cut out, with more teams involved in the fight for glory.
Contrary to the editions before, this year’s edition has seen more entrants and the introduction of group stages. The 20 men’s teams have been placed in 4 groups of 5.
The teams will play in a round-robin format, each playing four games – possibly two home games and two away games – with the top 2 teams in every group proceeding to the quarter-finals for the playoffs.
The eight women’s teams will be placed in two groups of four and will also play in a round-robin format, with each team playing 3 group games and the top two from each group proceeding to the knockouts (semi-finals).
Uganda Cup Talking points
The Pirates who won the National premiership and the National 7s last season will be eager to get their hands on the Uganda Cup trophy (Heathens won it, denying them a clean sweep, as was the case in 2018).
Joseph Oyet came through clutch in the 2023 finale, scoring a drop goal and penalty in the final to condemn Pirates to a 20-14 loss and lift Heathens to glory.
The Avengers claimed the second-ever women’s Uganda Cup title courtesy of a last-minute penalty to win 18-16 against the then-defending champions, Thunderbirds, after a nervy game in Entebbe.
On the lower echelon of things, the Elgon Wolves and Eagles have been drawn into the same group, further cementing a growing rivalry between the two sides.
Most recently, Wolves tore the Eagles apart to advance to the National 7s core qualifier finale, winning the match and becoming a permanent fixture for the 2024 National 7s Competition.
Shield specialists and defending champions, Impis, have been drawn in an exciting group that sees the resurgent Rhinos and 2022 National 7s champions, Hippos, lurking. They are set to face daunting upcountry trips to Lira and or Gulu.
Uganda Cup 2023 Women’s Draws
Group A
- Avengers
- Lady swans
- Kabale berg
- Gulu Sprinters
Group B
- Thunderbirds
- Panthers
- Black Pearls
- Ewes
Uganda Cup 2023 Men’s Draws
Group A
- Heathens
- Walukuba
- Tooro Lions
- Kyambogo
- Rams
Group B
- Pirates
- Elgon Wolves
- Kitgum Lions
- Eagles
- Buffaloes
Group C
- KOBs
- Njeru Hurricanes
- Mbarara Titans
- Warriors
- Mongers
Group D
- Rhinos
- Hippos
- Gulu City Falcons
- Lira Bulls
- Impis
Previous Uganda Cup winners since 1999
2022-Heathens
2021-Kobs
2020- Not held -Covid-19
2019 -Kobs
2018-Kobs
2017-Pirates
2016-Heathens
2015-Heathens
2014-Heathens
2013-Heathens
2012-Kobs
2011-Kobs
2010-Kobs
2009-Heathens
2008-Kobs
2007-Pirates
2006 -Kobs
2005 -Kobs
2004- Heathens
2003- Heathens
2002- Heathens
2001- Heathens
2000- Heathens
1999- Heathens
Courtesy Photos
