The Uganda Rugby Union calendar has got to be the busiest in the world. There is almost no break all year; as soon as one tournament ends, another one kicks off. The ongoing 7s series kicked off in August after the conclusion of the XVs season (after the Uganda Cup and the league/championship).
For most players, especially the tight forwards, the four months spent playing 7s around the country is the “off-season” period. This is when they log off, rest, relax and switch from the pitch to the stands.
However, some of these tight forwards have not walked slo-mo into the sunset to enjoy some downtime with their loved ones. Rather, they’ve strapped up and tightened their bootlaces for the physically demanding and nonstop variation of the game of rugby.
Gone are the days when 7s training was used as pre-season for them to get fit ahead of the upcoming XVs season or for their teams to keep the powder dry for the end of the series. This is serious business.
In this piece, we highlight the top props and hookers who, in no particular order, have defied the odds, stood strong, and had a significant say in how the 2024 Nile Special 7s Series has progressed.
Patricia Anek (Thunderbirds)
Patricia Anek is a loosehead prop for Thunderbirds and the Uganda Lady Rugby Cranes. But make no mistake of underestimating her in rugby 7s.
Thunderbirds are nowhere among the fastest teams, so Anek is their power weapon to break down defences with force through the middle. She has played all five circuits on the series thus far, scoring three tries and inspiring them to a Cup Final victory in Gulu.
Edward Emiemu (right, with ball) Credit: Denise Namale for Uganda Rugby/TWEdward Emiemu (Walukuba Barbarians)
Walukuba Barbarians is one of the most well-conditioned and tactically-drilled teams in the series. Edward Emiemu, a hooker in XVs, blends in with his 7s teammates so seamlessly with his power running, carrying, tackling, and ball handling that it is difficult to guess his position when you watch them play.
Straight from Rugby Cranes national duty as a non-playing reserve during the 2024 Africa Cup, Emiemu has not missed a single round in the Nile Special 7s Series. While front rowers are not known to score tries, he has nine total, plus the men’s MVP award at the Gulu 7s.
Fazira Namukwaya (right, in purple) during the 2024 Kyadondo 7s. Credit: John BatanuddeFazira Namukwaya (Avengers)
Namukwaya is the Avengers captain. With how star-studded Avengers are, including Uganda Women’s 7s national team captain and three others, it would not have been difficult to choose a different leader for the series but she has not put a foot wrong.
She has led the Entebbe side to three Cup Final victories (four appearances in five rounds), and they are currently top of the series’ overall standings table.
Paul Siringiti (Jinja Hippos)
Like all the names in this piece, Paul Siringiti is a power ball carrier. But he adds one dimension they all do not possess: pace. And that is really important in rugby 7s, obviously. Siringiti has entered foot races with some of the quickest players in the series and won.
Things may not be working well, overall, for Jinja Hippos this year but Siringiti is top on the list of those who have consistently delivered.
Yvonne Najjuma (in blue with ball) playing against Black Pearls during the 2024 Kyadondo 7sYvonne Najjuma (Thunderbirds)
Yvonne “Powerhouse” Najjuma is one of the most experienced and skilled players in the series. As expected from a hooker, she throws well in the lineout. Which explains why Thunderbirds prefer finding touch to tapping penalties as a launchpad for their attack. But she is also a good kicker; taking their restarts and conversions.
Najjuma has scored six tries and kicked five conversion points thus far in the series.
The 2024 Nile Special 7s Series will resume with the penultimate round on September 28-29 in Mbarara City.
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