Local rugby is finally back after a little over 4 months of no action on account of the Rugby Super Series and internationals.With nothing to write home about on the international scene fans are now looking forward to supporting their favorite clubs as the national sevens circuit commences.The sevens circuit has been brought forward by one month to allow the national team that is to participate in the Commn Wealth Games in New Delhi  prepare for the games that kick off in October. They will be competing against the clubs in the sevens circuit but will not be eligible for any prize money or trophy.

HIMA BUILDS' 7's CIRCUIT

Hima Cement who broke ties with university side Impis earlier this year have now embraced IRB recognised code of 7s rugby and will be the main circuit sponsors assisted by UAP,MTN,AON,SDV Transami, Stanbic bank, Western Union, AAR and events managers Kinetic Management Group. The Hima Cement brand has been synonymous with the unprecedented success of the Makerere Tens, making it a truly East African tournament and they are expected to transform the national sevens circuit into yet another international high quality tournament going forward. Hima Cement Commercial Manager Dennis Kashero said Hima cement is committed to developing Uganda's rugby to another level. "Our commitment cements the long lasting partnership with rugby and we hope to take sevens rugby to a bigger and better stage each year," Kashero explained.

There will be 4 legs of the circuit starting this saturday at Entebbe SS grounds home to Entebbe Mongers; Makerere University rugby grounds(grave yard) home to Impis; Kitaka memorial at Kampala RUFC home to Kobs culminating in the final leg at Nambole soccer stadium. Kyadondo RFC home to 8 time sevens champions Heathens will not host any of the circuits. With no official explanation coming from URU one can only speculate this was a result of the July 11th terrorist attacks in which several soccer fans lost their lives while watching the world cup finals. The final circuit in Nambole staduim will be graced by 4 unnamed foreign teams drawn from Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya. Hima Cement will also award a cash prize of Ushs 2 million to the overall circuit winners while individual cash rewards will be given to the MVP in each circuit and circuit the top scorer.

2010 7'S CIRCUIT AN OPEN CONTEST

Record and defending champions MTN Heathens excellent season has been turned upside down after the aforementioned incident at their grounds. This followed by the news of the sudden resignation of talismanic coach Peter Magona who led Heathens to their 3rd grand slam season last year and run away league winners this year. It is rumored due to contractual ties in his official capacity off pitch he cannot associate with Heathens who are sponsored by a competitor. Heathens have further lost 6 key players to the national team. Robert Seguya, Michael Wokorach(Captain national team),Benon Kizza, Jude Kerrmundu, George Scott '300' Oluoch and Mathias Ochwo will be wearing national team colours. Youngster Steven Kasozi also transferred from Heathens to Makerere University Impis on scholarship. Heathens acting coach and player Brian Tabaruka was however defiant saying the team was not going to give up their title without a fight despite the loosing over 6 key players. Watch-out for a cracker between Heathens and the national team!

Heathens troubles have opened the competition with a host of other clubs ready to stake their claim to the title.Impis last year's runners up have had yet another very disappointing season but are known to be very good sevens players.The popular university students have a good chance of winning this year's national sevens circuit but their serial team management problems continue to dog them.

Kobs who came third last season have also been affected by the loss of players to the national team and will be without seasoned campaigners Tim Mudoola, Allan Musoke and youngsters Ambrose Kamanyire and flyer Lawrence Wakabi who are on the CWG's provisional squad. Kobs however in Herbert Wafula and player coach Ronnie Lutakome have shrewd tacticians who are expected to conjure up a winning formula this year. A full strength Pirates are the circuit dark horses and could be the surprise team of the tournament.

After over 4 months of no rugby action many of the teams will suffer from fitness problems and lack of match fitness, so expect a bit of scrapiness and high scores but as the circuits continue the teams are expected to get into their stride.

Entebbe Senior Secondary School grounds will be the venue of the first leg of the national sevens circuit this Saturday 4th September with the first game starting at 8 am.

Entrance is free. All are invited, come one come all!