Guinness 7s – 2021
1st Leg (Mileke 7s) : 2nd & 3rd October @Legends
The 2021 National Rugby Sevens Series, dubbed the Guinness 7s has received a Sh250,000,000 (Two Hundred Fifty Million Shillings) boost from Guinness Uganda ahead of its kick-off on Saturday 2nd October at Legends Grounds in Kampala.
Guinness who have been the Series partners since 2017 revealed this development on Thursday at Legends Grounds, a venue that will host the opening leg of the Series dubbed Mileke 7s which will run till Sunday, 3rd October. Warriors are hosts of this weekend’s event.
Three of the six total circuits will be held outside Kampala, that is; Northern circuit slated for 9th October and hosted by Gulu Elephants at Gulu grounds, Eastern Circuit slated for 16th October and hosted by Soroti Rangers at Soroti grounds and the Western Circuit slated for 6th November at Kabale Stadium and hosted by Rams.
Guinness Uganda Brand Manager, Elizabeth Mutamuliza says that the idea of taking games outside Kampala is aimed of shining a light on the game in upcountry regions.
“Going to different corners of the country will help grow the sport from the grassroots. This will also help people express their passion and in the end they will shine brighter. I urge all participating teams to work hard,” Mutamuliza said adding that they’re excited for the return of the Series.
According to Uganda Rugby Union CEO, Ramsey Olinga, the Series will go a long way in reviving the game after Covid-19 disruptions became a damper that saw the 2020 games cancelled.
“This is one of the popular events and wee look forward to an exciting season,” Olinga said adding that upcountry legs will spice up the Series.
Olinga added that the Guinness package will cater for the teams’ needs like accommodation and transport and the like. Overall prize money for Series winners is 3 Million while runners up and second runners up will pocket 2 & 1 Million respectively. Circuit winners will take home Sh500,000.
Vincent Otim who is the Chairman Organizing Committee of the Series revealed that the games will be played without fans in the stands as a Covid-19 preventive measure. Other SOPs will also be adhered to.
Emmanuel Fudribo who is in charge of the Mileke 7s revealed that this year they will recognize living legends of the game. This include Helen Koyokoyo Buteme, Timothy Mudoola, Charlotte Mudoola, Allan Musoke, Robert Seguya and others.
Mileke 7s started in 2019 and it’s played in honor of rugby parents Patrick and Deborah Mileke who are parents to rugby playing trio of Joseph, Gabriel and Erasmus Aredo. Unfortunately Mr. Patrick Mileke passed away months after the inaugural edition.
Mileke 7s Pool draws
Pool A: Kobs, Warriors, Rams, Jjengo
Pool B: Black Pirates, Impis, Sailors, Jaguars
Pool C: Heathens, Jinja Hippos, Rhinos, Pacers
Pool D: Buffaloes, Mongers, Stallions, Rams 2
Guinness Rugby 7s Series – 2021 schedule.
1st Leg : 2nd & 3rd October Warriors/Legends (Central Circuit)
2nd Leg: 9th October Gulu Elephants/ Gulu grounds (Northern Circuit)
3rd Leg: 16th October Soroti Rangers/ Soroti grounds (Eastern Circuit)
4th Leg: 30th&31st October Black pirates/ King’s Park (Central Circuit)
5th Leg: 6th November Rams RFC/ Kabale Stadium (Western Circuit)
6th Leg: 13th&14th November BSO/Legends (Central Circuit)
