The Uganda Rugby is expanding the local calendar with a newer, more extensive, involving Uganda Cup.
The Uganda Cup that will kick off the 2023-2024 season will see all registered teams in the country (National Rugby Championship and Regional League Championship) that can assemble a 23-man matchday squad enter into the draw for the competition.
The teams shall be placed in pools, play against one another, and the top two teams from each pool will be seeded for the playoffs to continue.
The knockouts shall culminate into a final. The 12 NRC (National Rugby Championship) teams will be drawn alongside regional teams like Lira Big Boys, Gulu Falcons, Tooro Lions, Elgon Wolves, Mbarara Mustangs, Njeru Hurricanes, Kyambogo University.
More expansions in the local calendar have seen a proposal for the Kyalo Cup. This is rugby’s response to FUFA Drum.
The Kyalo Cup is a province-of-origin competition that will slot in right after the National Rugby Championship, RRC, Uganda Cup and regional leagues and just before the international calendar opens its doors.
Players from these leagues – NRC, RRC, Uganda Cup and regional leagues – will suit up amongst their peers from their regions of origin and the teams to be named as:
Northern – Jalweny
Western – Abarusura
Central – Abambowa
Easter – Maji
Each regional team is expected to travel thrice and host three games, at the end of which, the top team would be declared the Kyalo Cup winner.
Additionally, the union is currently engaging clubs to assess if the women’s league can be enhanced to a 6-team league from a 4-team league. There is no promotion or relegation in the women’s league.
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