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The Nile Stout Rugby Premiership returns this Saturday, 6th March 2021 after a 357 day period with no action.
The Uganda Rugby Union (URU) announced the cancellation of the 2020-21 League in March last year following a presidential directive to institute a ban on all activities that involve mass gathering, including Sport, which Rugby is, as a measure of containing the Coronavirus pandemic. The Union was later in October forced to prematurely end the League in October, thereby declaring Heathens RC as the season’s winners as they were top of the log before proceedings were suspended in March.
Only Kobs, Heathens and Pirates have managed to win the Rugby Premiership over the last two decades. As the 2020/21 league kicks off on Saturday, how much the rest challenge the pair remains a moot point.
Among the potential contenders, Heathens go first, hosting Black Pirates at Kyadondo, in their hunt for a 16th title.
Heathens strengthened their squad ahead of the new season, adding 8 players to their roaster. However, they will begin this season without captain Michael Wokorach and halfback Aaron Ofoywroth who are expected to be named on the national sevens team.
Having endured a rather forgettable campaign in 2019/20 that saw them finish trophyless from two tournaments played, and fall back behind league winners Heathens and Uganda Cup champions Kobs, Pirates added experienced Solomon Okia on their roaster, having captured him from Harlequins.
Their nearest rivals, Kobs travel to Byeyogerere for the season opener against Rhinos hoping to assert their dominance in top tier rugby again.
They fell short last season, having lost the opening match to eventual champions Heathens which cost them the title. Like Heathens, they strengthened their roaster, adding nine players with the signing of Arthur Mpande from Rhinos, Saul Kivumbi from Kenya Cup side Impala, Michael Otto from Heathens and James Odong from Nondescripts. They also promoted Humphrey Olaunah and Trevor Maina from their academy.
Elsewhere, Buffaloes will take on Rams at Kyadondo in the seasonal opener while Impis will host Mongers in Makerere.
The Warriors Vs Hippos game which was to be played at the Legends rugby grounds was postponed by the Uganda Rugby Union
Matchday one fixture
- Buffaloes Vs Rams – Kyadondo 2:00 pm
- Heathens Vs Pirates – Kyadondo 4:00 pm
- Impis Vs Monger – Makerere 4:00 pm
- Rhinos Vs Kobs – Legends 4:00 pm
