Rugby:2024 Nile Special 7s circuit is set to kick off this weekend.

The eagerly awaited 2024 Nile Special 7s circuit is set to kick off this weekend, launching another exciting rugby season. The circuit follows a thrilling 2023/24 season, where the Heathens claimed the national title, while the Stanbic Black Pirates, defending champions of the 7s circuit, ended a five-year drought for the national 7s title last year.

The new circuit will feature a series of tournaments across various regions, giving rugby teams nationwide a chance to display their skills.

The season is structured into three blocks of tournaments—three in the first block, two in the second, and two in the third—spanning nine weeks with breaks in between. The schedule includes eight teams in the women’s series, with the core teams being Avengers, Kitgum Queens, Nile Rapids, She Wolves, Thunderbirds, and the Black Pearls, who are the reigning three-time champions.

The circuit kicks off with the Entebbe 7s on August 10-11, hosted by the Plascon Mongers at the Entebbe Works Grounds. It will be followed by the Tororo Border 7s on August 17-18 in the Eastern region, hosted by Tororo Crest at Elgon View Pitch. Subsequent tournaments include the Kyadondo 7s in the Central region on August 24-25, the Gulu 7s in the Northern region on September 7-8, the Kyabazinga 7s in the Central region on September 14-15, and the Mbarara 7s in the Western region on September 21-22. The season will culminate with the Rujumba 7s, hosted by the Pirates at King’s Park on October 5-6.

As the circuit progresses, teams will need to manage their conditioning and squad depth to navigate the challenging schedule, while the lowest-ranked team by points will face relegation. This season promises intense competition and showcases of top rugby talent across the country.