National 7s: Heathens, Pirates can’t afford to slip up in Coronation 7s Pool stage

Heathens and Black Pirates will need perfect results from their respective tough Pools at the Coronation 7s this weekend.

The Heathens were drawn in Pool A alongside KOBs, Mongers and Rhinos, making them one of three teams in that group to reach a semifinal of a Stop in the 2026 National 7s series.

The KOBs are coming off a fresh win at the Kyabazinga 7s as they look to bag another Stop win and improve their overall position as they currently sit 3rd in the standings. The Mongers have been blowing hot and cold in the series, making it hard to predict which side will arrive from Entebbe this weekend. On the other hand, Rhinos’ woes are likely to continue as they stare down the barrel of relegation.

In Pool C, the Black Pirates have an even tougher task on their hands as they face a Buffaloes side that hasn’t won a series Stop and a Kampani Eagles team that fancies coming up against the big guns.

The Walukuba Barbarians, who are the defending champions of the Coronation 7s, were unceremoniously eliminated in their home Stop by the Rams, hence having a chip on their shoulder.

Therefore, advancing from the Pool will be an achievement in itself for this young Black Pirates team, who are chasing their first National 7s title since 2023.

Should the Black Pirates, Heathens and even KOBs advance from their Pools, the big question would be whether they still have enough to go all the way on Day 2 of the Coronation 7s. The short answer is yes. The Pirates have proved that their youngsters like Kieron Erem, Ali ‘Papa’ Ongima and Carl Alvin Ainemaani can hold their own against the big boys, while the Heathens managed a fourth-place finish at Bugembe Stadium despite injuries and the suspensions of Gift Lukyamuzi and Alphonse Openy.

Of the 3 sides, the KOBs appear to be the most comfortable in terms of squad depth as they welcome back Stuart Mwayi, Calvin Gizamba and Darrel Mwaka to the team. Ian Bwowe and Victor Mutumba went largely unused in KOBs’ last outing, making them fresh for the Coronation 7s.

Men’s Pools:

• Pool A – KOBs, Heathens, Mongers, Rhinos
• Pool B – Rams, Victoria Sharks, Mbale Elephants, Hippos
• Pool C – Black Pirates, Walukuba Barbarians, Buffaloes, Eagles

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