Local rugby governing body Uganda Rugby Union (URU) have among others prematurely ended the 2020/21 National Rugby Premier League. As a result, Heathens who have been table leaders with 63 points, five ahead of second placed Kobs will be crowned champions after 13 games and with five games unplayed.
Schools League, men’s Regional Leagues for Western and Central have also been ended.
Last month, the union handed over personal protective equipment (PPE) to rugby clubs and facilities hoping to reinstate competitive play for the first time since March 2020 when sports were halted as a preventative measure to curb the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
However, open air sports activities were reinstated last month but the high-risk nature of rugby meant that it would be costly to implement drafted SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
The rugby custodians are also running out of time to complete this year’s alternative activity calendar and have decided to throw in the towel and call it a year.
“We are targeting 23rd January 2021 as the resumption date for rugby and intend to utilize the time before then to engage all stakeholders to find a sustainable approach to meeting the SOPs,” part of the URU missive shared to this reporter read.
However, albeit Heathens getting the opportunity to retain the title, there will be no promotion or relegation from the Rugby Premier League because the Championship knockout stages weren’t played.
Albeit the league ended prematurely, the title sponsor will meet full teams’ and individuals’ prize money commitments.
However, according to URU CEO Ramsey Olinga, the player transfer exercise is open effective Friday (8th October) morning.
