On Wednesday 7th June, the Uganda Rugby Union released a statement ordering the semifinal fixture between Warriors RFC and Elgon Wolves RFC be replayed after an appeal from Warriors contesting the initial.

Elgon wolves had won the initial fixture 15:10 and were slated to play in the finals against Eagles RFC but the result was overturned after they were found to have fielded an ineligible player violating World Rugby Regulation 4.5.8.

The players in question were found to be registered with more than one Rugby Union in Kenya Rugby Union and Uganda Rugby Union and as stated in the regulation, that was a breach.

URU and EURA were in breach of Regulations 4.5.11 “Each Union share retain a register of all players and all dual registered players under its jurisdiction and shall provide access to and/or copies of such register (or any part thereof) on demand to World Rugby”

The appeals committee decided then to cancel the match result between Warriors and Elgon wolves held on 3rd June, 2033 and that a replay should happen on 10th June at the same venue, Dam waters in Jinja.

Who’s the biggest winner from this outcome?

Many could argue that Warriors are the biggest winners as they have been given another shot at qualifying to the top division. Being the favorites coming into this season’s championship, Warriors were expected to easily find their way around and qualify back to the top division. To the surprise of many, they weren’t even the top team in Central division as Eagles RFC beat them to that spot.

Many were shocked after Warriors had lost the initial game and question marks were going around asking what next! for the Warriors. This overturn gives them a chance to die another day and will hope to fight it out and leave everything on the pitch this weekend in the Replay fixture.

Elgon wolves on the other hand are devastated following the outcome of the appeal but they should be glad that they have also been given a second chance to redeem themselves and fight fair and square for that finals place.

The replay shall ne played at Dam Waters in Jinja on 10th June, 2023 meaning the finals has been postponed to 17th of the same month.