The National rugby sevens (7s) sixth outing in Mbale this Saturday has not taken place after teams staged a boycott over Uganda rugby union’s failure to give the host club money to host the games.
According to sources, the host club received Shs1m only instead of Shs3.8m with reports having it that sponsors Guiness released all the due funds to the union.
The negotiations went on till past midday to convince the teams but only four (non influential) teams had seemingly agreed to play, including; Mbale A, Mbale B, Hippos and Rams.
The other teams instead waited for their Guiness beer crates to enjoy and drive back home while other players resorted to playing football as they passed time.
“The host club was told there was no money and when the union staff arrived at the host venue, the rugby poles had been cut down and thus URU had to buy new poles. However, the host venue management out two cars on pitch and this put the games on hold. URU called for security from Police and extended Shs1m for the venue maintenance to the host club but there was no ambulance which led to further delay. The teams later refused to play short games of 4 minutes each half and the referees also asked for their money before. The union said the referees’ money was used to sort out Mbale management and ambulance which further erased hopes of the circuit being played,” a source told this website.
Only three points separates second placed Stanbic Bank Pirates from leaders Betway Kobs after five outings. The two sides have played at all the finals; Betway Kobs wining three while Pirates have won twice.
