The Stanbic Pirates Rugby Club are the new champion of the 2025 Rujumba Sevens, capping off a dominant two-day run with a nail-biting 12–10 victory over the Walukuba Barbarians in the final.
The tournament, hosted at Legends Grounds in Kampala, drew Uganda’s finest rugby sevens sides, but it was the Pirates—sponsored by Stanbic Bank Uganda—who stole the show with grit, speed, and clinical execution.
A Strong Start
The Pirates signalled their intent early on Day One. They opened their campaign with a convincing 26–5 win against Elgon Wolves before steamrolling past the Jaguars 50–0 in their second match. The team’s swift ball handling and dominant breakdown play established them as early favourites.
Day Two Drama
If Day One was smooth sailing, Day Two tested the Pirates’ resilience. In the quarterfinal clash, the team clashed with old rivals Heathens in what turned into a tense, end-to-end battle. The Pirates edged through with a tight 22–19 victory, holding off a late Heathens surge.
With momentum on their side, the Pirates overpowered the Jinja-based Hippos 24–10 in the semifinals, securing their ticket to the final against Walukuba Barbarians—one of the surprise packages of the tournament.
A Final for the Ages
The final lived up to expectations. The Barbarians, roared on by their passionate supporters, matched the Pirates blow for blow. Both sides crossed the try line in a tightly contested first half, with the Pirates clinging to a narrow lead.
The second half saw fierce tackles and tactical kicking, with the Barbarians threatening to pull off an upset. But the Pirates’ composure under pressure carried them through, holding firm for a 12–10 victory that sealed their first major silverware of the 2025 rugby season.
As the final whistle blew, Pirates players and fans erupted in celebration, waving the team’s black-and-white colours high across Legends Grounds.
The Rujumba 7s, part of the National Sevens Circuit, continues to be a breeding ground for new rugby talent and a platform for clubs to showcase depth and tactical growth. For the Pirates, the 2025 edition will be remembered as a campaign where ambition met execution.
