The Kings Park Arena in Bweyogerere erupted in absolute ecstasy on Sunday evening, August 2, 2026, as host side Stanbic Black Pirates defeated their fiercest rivals, the Platinum Credit Heathens, 26-24 in a heart-stopping final of the Rujumba 7s. In what will go down as one of the most dramatic conclusions in Uganda Rugby 7s history, it was former Heathen turned Pirate, Nicholas Kato, who delivered the decisive blow to secure the crown for the Sea Robbers.
A First-Half Battle of Titans
The final lived up to its heavyweight billing from the opening whistle. Both teams brought intense physicality and tactical precision, trading blows in a high-octane first half. The Pirates started strongly, finding gaps in the Heathens' defensive line, but the Kyadondo-based side responded with clinical counter-attacks. At the halftime whistle, the Pirates held a narrow 14-12 advantage, setting the stage for a tense and dramatic second period.
Kato Haunts His Former Side in the Second Half
As the pressure reached boiling point in the second half, the Heathens threw everything they had at the hosts, threatening to snatch the victory with a late rally. However, the Sea Robbers stood tall in defense. The game's defining moment came when scrumhalf Nicholas Kato, who recently switched allegiance from the Heathens to the Pirates, intercepting a crucial pass and scoring a sensational try to stop the Heathens' momentum.
Moments later, with the scoreline on a knife-edge, Kato stepped up under immense pressure to kick a crucial conversion. The successful kick ended any possibility of a Heathens comeback, pushing the score to 26-24 and securing the holy grail for the home side as the final whistle blew.
Ecstasy in Bweyogerere and Celebrations at Kings Park
The final whistle was met with wild celebrations from the home crowd, confirming that Bweyogerere remains firmly under the control of the Pirates. Congratulatory hugs and cheers filled the arena, with prominent club figures and coaches, including Conrad, Wazalendo, and Mwalimu, celebrating the historic victory with the players. The win completes the ultimate double for the Pirates over their rivals, cementing their position as the team to beat in the 2026 National Rugby 7s Series.
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