Black Pearls officially pull out of women’s rugby league

The women’s four consecutive time defending champions, the Black Pearls, have officially pulled out of the league.

Since the turn of the decade, the Black Pearls have won the women’s league but won’t be able to carry on and defend it in 2026, citing financial constraints. The Pearls failed to honour their home fixture against the Nile Rapids at Kings Park Arena last Saturday, communicating that their title defence had come to an abrupt end.

A statement released from the Uganda Rugby Union this Monday evening acknowledges the withdrawal of the Pearls from the league, and indicates that URU is well aware of the challenges the women’s clubs go through to not only put Squads together, but also present them for game days.

In a meeting attended by URU officials and representatives from the Black Pearls held on Monday afternoon, it was clear that the Pearls would not go back on their decision to exit the league. This leaves the league with 6 women’s sides, with the Thunderbirds, Avengers and Nile Rapids as frontrunners for the now vacant title.

According to URU, the Black Pearls are welcome to rejoin the league next season, given that there won’t be a promotion or relegation this year.

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