The 2024 Nile Special 7s Series climaxes this weekend after seven rounds. While Platinum Credit Heathens is the most successful rugby club in the competition’s history with eleven titles, their last came over a decade ago in 2013.
They fell short, agonizingly, in the last two editions – to Jinja Hippos at Kyadondo in 2022 and to Black Pirates at Bugembe in 2023. Both times, on Day Two in the final round of the series. But this time, eleven years since their last 7s series title, Heathens are in control of their own destiny.
Let’s rewind to the 2013 National 7s Series. To revisit how the series went, how it ended, and name those who were part of Heathens’ victorious team.
The 2013 national 7s series was played over the four weekends of September. Back then, URU still played one-day events. Legends Rugby Grounds, The Graveyard in Makerere, Kyadondo Rugby Club, and Mbarara University of Science & Technology (MUST) main campus in Mbarara hosted the four rounds.
Date in 2013VenueMain Cup Winner1September 7Legends Rugby GroundsMutoni Warriors2September 14The Graveyard, MakerereToyota Buffaloes3September 21Kyadondo Rugby ClubMTN Heathens4September 28MUST Main Campus pitch, MbararaMTN HeathensDates, venues, and winners of the four rounds played in the 2013 national 7s series
Mutoni Warriors, Toyota Buffaloes, and MTN Heathens (2) won the Main Cups. Heathens won the overall series with 86 points, followed by Buffaloes (68) and Rams (56). They were crowned champions on a drizzly evening at MUST in Mbarara.
Heathens vs Uganda Select during the first round of the 2013 7s Series at Legends. Allan Otim picks the ball from the back of the scrum. Credit: UG Rugby Fan Zone/FB
Allan Otim was Heathens’ captain that year, playing alongside a heavily-stacked and experienced side including club veterans and national team players.
Heathens’ players list: 1 Allan Otim (captain), 2 Asuman Mugerwa, 3 Alex Mubiru, 4 Romano Ogwal, 5 Ronnie Musoke, 6 Bishop Onen, 7 Chris Lubanga, 8 Mohammed Athio, 9 Denis Tialata Mugambi, 10 Raymond Ssembajwe, 11 Allan Okello, 12 Jasper Ochen, 13 Benon Kiiza, 14 Brian Kikawa, 15 Joel Kimuli, 16 Michael Wokorach, 17 Lawrence Ssebuliba.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: This players’ list has been compiled from news reports, URU and Heathens archives, and recounted memories from those who were there and have been contacted by Kawowo Sports for this piece. The list is thus not conclusive and is not a full final record.]
Winning the 7s series meant that Heathens had won the 2013 season treble, adding it to the Uganda Cup and the men’s league (Super Ten). Fast forward to the 2023-24 season, Heathens already have the Uganda Cup and the now men’s championship in their trophy cabinet.
Most players on that 2013 squad retired from competitive rugby and/or moved on totally from the sport while others are now coaches and administrators. For example, Mohammed Athiyo and Allan Otim are now Heathens’ head coach and S&C coach respectively, Jasper Ochen is a backs coach at Rhinos, and Alex Mubiru is a forwards coach with the Uganda Rugby Cranes.
But some are still actively playing. Chris Lubanga, Lawrence Ssebuliba, and Michael Wokorach are still at Heathens while Asuman Mugerwa left for Kenyan champions Kabras.
Ssebuliba and Wokorach have featured in the 2024 Nile Special 7s Series and should Heathens be crowned champions this Sunday, they will receive their winners’ medals.
The 2024 series finale, the Henry Rujumba Memorial 7s hosted by Stanbic Black Pirates, will be played from October 5-6 at Kings Park in Bweyogerere.
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