Black Pirates have the opportunity to defend their Rujumba 7s out of Pool C when they host the second stop of the National 7s.
The win for the Bweyogerere side would not only be a title defence, but would also be Pirates’ first circuit win in the 2026 series. It would also be vital for closing the gap on the Walukuba Barbarians who are 5 points ahead of Pirates on the log.
The Pirates shook off a shaky Day 1 at the Rujumba 7s in 2025, including a 17-00 loss to Walukuba, to win the circuit on Day 2. This was the only circuit the Pirates won in the 2025 National 7s.
In the Women’s category, Black Pearls, the defending champions, will have to mount a title defence from Pool A against Ewes, Walukuba Titans and last year’s finalists, the Thunderbirds.
The Black Pearls looked like a shell of themselves at the Stone City 7s, eventually taking home the wooden spoon. Some of their more experienced players, like Lydia Namabiro, have since moved on loan, while players like Charlotte Mudoola and Emily Lekuru were out of the country. Youngsters like Zulaika Mukyala and Rebecca Kabajungu, who stepped up in Jinja, will have to put in an even bigger shift at the Rujumba 7s.
The biggest battle point will be which two teams from the men’s category will emerge as the best losers to make up the 8 teams that go to the quarterfinal stage. This is where every point scored or conceded is important for teams like Rhinos and Eagles if they hope to stay in the top 8 of the National 7s log.
Rujumba 7s Pools
Men
- Pool A: Walukuba Barbarians, Victoria Sharks, Rhinos, Rams
- Pool B: Buffaloes, KOBs, Mongers, Mbale Elephants
- Pool C: Black Pirates, Heathens, Eagles, Hippos
Women
- Pool A: Nile Rapids, Avengers, She Wolves, Mbale Eagles
- Pool B: Thunderbirds, Ewes, Walukuba Titans, Black Pearls
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