Black Pirates defend Rugby Premiership title

The Black Pirates successfully defended their Uganda Rugby Premiership title against Buffaloes RFC in a tight 30-29 final played at the Kings Park Arena on Saturday.

The Pirates came out guns blazing, going ahead first through Nathan Bwambale’s try in the third minute of the final.

The Buffaloes responded through eventual man of the match, Yasin Waiswa, who slotted in his first 3 points of what turned out to be a 19-point haul off his boot in the final.

Despite Waiswa’s heroics, the Pirates were too good for the Buffaloes in the first half.

Pirates’ forwards Bwambale, Frank Kidega and Alex Aturinda all added exciting tries from more than 10 meters out from the try line, something that summarized Buffaloes’ game in the first half. With that poor defence, coupled with the inability to create try-scoring opportunities of their own, the Buffaloes found themselves in a position where they had to make quick substitutions by the 20th minute.

These substitutes, like Douglas Musoke and Leonard Ndiku, changed the moment of the game with their carries and a try for Ndiku to cut Buffaloes’ deficit to 25-13 before the break.

In the second half, Titus Oyoo’s try was not enough as the Pirates extended their lead through Eric Mula’s solo effort. This try was the only score for the pirates in a second half that saw the Buffaloes register 16 points on the board.

Pirates champions, again!

Since lifting their inaugural league title in 2018, the Pirates have become a force to reckon with in the league, Uganda Cup and the National 7s series.

For the first time in their history, the Pirates have managed to defend their title, after failing to do so in 2018 and 2023. This puts them close to the legacy of Heathens and KOBs, who have not only defended their league titles before, but gone on to five-peat the league.

With that target in mind, the Pirates can’t afford to ignore the tasks at hand. After a below-standard National 7s campaign in 2025, the Pirates recovered to win the Uganda Cup to cap off the 2025 rugby calendar year.

The goal now is to not only improve in the 7s but also win a trophy they haven’t touched since 2023, and additionally defend their Uganda Cup title.

The post Black Pirates defend Rugby Premiership title appeared first on Kawowo Sports.