All is set for the Guinness Kigezi High Altitude 7s Rugby Tournament that is slated to take place this Saturday in Kabale. The announcement was made earlier today at a press conference that took place at Legends Grounds in Kampala.
The Kigezi High Altitude Rugby 7s is an annual tournament organized by Rams Rugby Football Club, in collaboration with Kigezi Silverbacks RFC and Kigezi Queens based in Kabale and sponsored by Guinness.
This year’s tournament will feature 12 men’s teams and five women’s teams including Kobs, Rhinos, Warriors, Rams, Jinja Hippos, Kigezi Silverbacks, Tooro Lions, Naguru Home Boys, Kigezi Queens, Jaguars, Lady Swans (Women) among many others with four teams expected to come from Rwanda that is; the Lions De Fer,1000 Hills, Rwamagana Hippos (Women) and Kamonyi Panthers (Women).
The competition promises to be a thrilling adventure of Rugby 7s, with the finest teams from the region battling for supremacy, prize money and trophies.
Speaking at the press briefing, Justin Agaba, the Guinness Brand Representative, emphasized the importance of the sponsorship and rugby’s significance to the Guinness brand.
“Guinness is committed to growing rugby in Uganda as seen through our sponsorships and partnerships over the years. We have sponsored several tournaments like the Guinness Sevens and extended support to the National Sevens team, the Rugby Cranes. We are now deepening our support to benefit the actual stakeholders of the game; that’s why we are going to the grassroots, in the regions and towns to support the sport,” Agaba stated.
“This is because we want to not only shine a light on the new and upcoming talent in the sport but also, we want to partner with them to grow their tournaments so as to lay a firm foundation for the generations of rugby players to come, which is what ‘Black Shines Brightest’ is about,” Agaba added.
His sentiments were reiterated by Derek Mpora the Chairperson of the Kigezi High Altitude 7s who spoke to the brands un wavering commitment to growing the game rugby in the country and the region.
“For us the Guinness Kigezi High Altitude Rugby 7s 2024 tournament is a testament to the growing partnership between Uganda and Rwanda and our club Rams RFC, and we are thrilled to have both men and women teams participating. I would like to extend my gratitude this tournament sponsors for their support in making this event possible. Your contribution to the development of rugby in our region is invaluable,” said Mpora.
“This tournament presents an opportunity for our club teams to compete at a high level, and we are confident that our players will showcase their skills and talent,” he added.
The annual tournament features top rugby teams from Uganda and neighboring countries.
Held at Kabale Stadium, the event is a highlight in the regional rugby calendar. The first edition in June 2018 was a resounding success, won by the Gladiators. The second edition saw Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi clinch the title after a hard-fought final against Rams RFC. The 2021 edition, dubbed Guinness 7s, featured top teams and was won by the Stanbic Black Pirates in a breathtaking final against Kobs. Last year’s event saw Rams RFC triumph over 1000 Hills RFC from Kigali, Rwanda.
