By 
Nile Rapids reclaimed the top spot in the 2026 National Sevens Circuit after edging Thunderbirds in a thrilling final to win the Lawii Rwodi 7s in Gulu.
The victory marked the Rapids’ third title in four circuit stops and offered redemption after a disappointing outing at the same venue last year, when they finished as the worst-performing team of the Gulu leg.
They arrived in Gulu looking to bounce back from a sixth-place finish at the Kyadondo 7s, where they competed without several regular starters.
The Rapids started strongly, topping a pool that included She Wolves, Black Pearls and Ewes to book a semi-final against Avengers.
Fatuma Kirabo opened the scoring in the semi-final with a clever chip behind the defence before regathering to score. The Avengers pushed back, forcing the game into sudden death.
Tina Akello then kicked deep, and Jemima Namukose won the race to the ball and scored the decisive try to send Rapids into the final.
Against Thunderbirds, Gorreti Babirye put Rapids ahead early, with Akello adding the conversion. Thunderbirds responded through Proscovia Mukyala, whose try was converted by Grace Nabaggala to level the game at 7-7.
With the final heading towards extra time, Rapids produced one last attack after securing a lineout.
The ball reached Claire Mutesi, who combined with Shaine Babirye to release Unity Namulala down the wing. Namulala beat the cover defence to score the winning try on the final play of the tournament.
The victory takes Nile Rapids to three titles from four completed circuit stops and back to the top of the national standings. Heathens RFC bagged the Men’s title.
The circuit now takes a two-week break before action resumes at the Kyabazinga 7s.
