The Uganda Rugby Union has confirmed that Black Pearls Rugby Club has officially withdrawn from the 2026 Uganda Rugby Women’s Premiership season, citing financial constraints.
In an official statement released this week, the Union noted that the decision was made by the club’s leadership after careful consideration of the challenges associated with sustaining participation at the highest level of competition.
“This decision reflects the practical challenges of sustaining participation at the highest level and highlights a broader issue affecting rugby globally,” the statement read.
Despite the setback, the Union emphasized that the move provides an opportunity for the club to refocus on strengthening its foundations and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Black Pearls have long been regarded as a cornerstone of women’s rugby in Uganda, consistently demonstrating excellence on the field while playing a key role in talent development and the growth of the sport. Their absence is expected to leave a significant gap in the 2026 season.
The Union expressed optimism that the club will continue engaging with stakeholders, partners, and the wider rugby community to help build a more sustainable ecosystem for women’s rugby in Uganda. There is also hope that the team will eventually return to competitive action.
Updated fixtures for the 2026 Women’s Premiership are expected to be communicated through official Uganda Rugby platforms.










