Last Saturday was a merrymaking day as Rugby fans descended on Kyadondo Rugby Grounds to watch the opening and first Leg of the 2017 National Rugby Sevens Series.
With Uganda Breweries Limited, through its premium brand, Guinness, having recently announced its UGX 200 millioncontribution to the Uganda National Sevens team, it was to be an eventful and unforgettable day.
Straight from the setup to the crowds to the discounted Guinness and affordable meals, Kyadondo Rugby Club played host to a highly electrifying crowd and Rugby players.
There were thrilling scenes as the Betway Kobs battled it out with the Toyota Buffaloes to emerge as the day’s winners after taking the game to extra time and managed to grab a try to win 12-7. Betway Kobs had earlier brushed off the Pirates during the semi-finals to win 17-5 while the Toyota Buffaloes had disappointed the Heathens with a 17-12 win.
In the women’s category, the Thunderbirds beat the Entebbe Ladies 12-5 to win the trophy. Entebbe Ladies had earlier annihilated the Eagles 33-0 while the Thunderbirds had beaten the Festival 17-0 to advance to the semi-finals.
The Men’s MVP was Robert Masindi of Toyota Buffaloes whereas Samiya Ayikoru of the Thunderbirds was the women’s MVP.
As the games head to Jinja (Jinja Rugby Grounds – Dam Waters) for the second Leg this weekend on Saturday 19th August, rugby fans will be treated to yet another enthralling atmosphere by Guinness.
Speaking at the opening games, Estella Muzito, the Head of Beers at Uganda Breweries Limited said; “We are delighted to be part of the rugby fraternity of Uganda and we hope to build a stronger relationship with the players and fans. This will be witnessed as we go on with the series as well as prepare for the upcoming Rugby Africa 7s Cup in October. We encourage the fans to come out in large numbers and support their teams in Jinja.”
Guinness has joined the rugby fraternity to help support and build the sport in the country as well as pivot the national sevens team to greater heights.
The new sevens format has ten core member clubs and two invitational teams at each circuit. There is a weekly ranking of teams based on their performance during the circuits.
The rugby 7s series is taking place in six venues around the country with twenty-two teams and an estimated 2,000 participants that are expected to take part.
