Glow Zone Rugby, Rugby Chill, and the Uganda National Touch Association have organized the Blitz and Groove Easter Rugby tournament. According to the organizers, this tournament is meant for fans and former rugby players and is set for Friday, March 29th, at the King’s Park Arena.
Musa Muwonge, the brainchild behind this initiative, and former national rugby player and event organizer, shared his motivation during an exclusive interview with NBS Sport.
Reflecting on his encounter with the former Rugby Cranes star Ronnie Musoke, he recalled the genesis of the tournament’s vision.
“One time, I crossed paths with Ronnie Musoke, whose dedication to the sport left an indelible mark on me. Yet, when he merely asked for a modest sum of UGX 1,000, I felt a profound sense of dismay. That encounter ignited a promise within me to pay homage to his legacy,” he recounted.
“Unlike previous events, we’ve waived subscription fees, inviting fans to form teams and participate at no cost,” he emphasized.
The tournament will have 12 teams, each named after a DJ, and must include at least two female players. Each team will have a member of the Uganda Rugby 7s national team as a coach.
The teams will be grouped into 4 groups of 3 teams each and will engage in 7-aside clashes. The best two teams from the group stage will advance to the quarter-finals.
The games in the group stage will last 5 minutes each half, with the knockout stages lasting 7 minutes each half. Officials from the Uganda National Touch Association will officiate the game.
The games will start at 10 AM and will end at 7 PM with a performance from Ugandan rapper, Fik Famaica.
Looking beyond the tournament’s immediate spectacle, Muwonge envisions a future where Blitz and Groove evolves into a beacon of support for rugby players, particularly in times of medical need.
“Many of our former players have been forced to hang up their boots due to injuries, myself included. In the near future, we want to establish a medical fund, to provide vital assistance to those grappling with rugby-related injuries,” he revealed.
Tickets for the event are priced at 5,000 UGX for ordinary entry and 50,000 UGX for VIP access, available for purchase online via Tickets2Go.
Feature Photo by Philip Kairu
