Following conclusion of the 2025 Nile Special Uganda Rugby 7s Series, two men’s teams, Gulu City Falcons and Elgon Wolves, and one women’s team, She Wolves, were relegated.
To determine the teams which will replace the above-mentioned relegation victims, a “core status qualifier” tournament will be played featuring teams from the regions.
This tournament is scheduled for this Saturday, October 4, at the Ruga Ruga Sports Complex in Busukuma, Gayaza.
Eight men’s teams— two from each region— earned their slots by being the top two highest-ranked in their respective regions. Impis and Victoria Sharks represent the Central Region, Njeru Hurricanes and Mbale Elephants are of the Eastern Region, Kitgum Lions and Lira Bulls come from the Northern Region while KIU Crocs and Buddu Bears are the Western Region’s.
Four women’s teams— one from each region— booked their tickets by winning their regional championships. They are; Ewes (Central Region), Mbale Eagles (Eastern Region), Kitgum Queens (Northern Region) and Kigezi Queens (Western Region).
Draws for the Core Status Qualifier tournament have been held live on NBS Sport this Tuesday morning.
The men’s teams are in two pools of four while the women’s teams will play a round-robin competition.
Men’s Pools for 2026 Core Status Qualifier:
• POOL A: Impis, Njeru Hurricanes, Kitgum Lions, KIU Crows.
• POOL B: Victoria University Sharks, Mbale Elephants, Lira Bulls, Buddu Bears.
It will be a one-day tournament in which the two men’s finalists and the women’s top seed will gain core status for the 2026 series.
