As the schedule on the Uganda Rugby calendar indicates, following the conclusion of the top-tier national 7s series, in which champions are crowned and relegated teams confirmed, what follows is the ‘Promotional Playoff’ to determine the core sides for the next 7s series.
During the 2025 Nile Special Uganda Rugby 7s Series, Gulu City Falcons & Elgon Wolves (men) and She Wolves (women) were relegated and lost their core status.
The 2026 Core Status Qualifiers tournament was played this Saturday at the Ruga Ruga Sports Complex. It featured eight men’s teams (two per region) and four women’s (one per region) teams.
Ewes emerged as the top-ranked team in the women’s round-robin tournament by winning three matches against Mbale Eagles, Kitgum Queens and Kigezi Queens. They earned the sole ticket available for core status in the 2026 series.
Victoria University (VU) Sharks and Mbale Elephants faced off in the men’s final; VU Sharks winning by 12-07. Reaching the final is all VU and Mbale Elephants require to earn core status for next year.
For all three – Ewes, VU Sharks and Mbale Elephants – this will be their first season as core teams on the top-tier national 7s series.
