Elgon Wolves bring top-tier rugby to Mbale

Elgon Wolves secure rugby championship promotion, Mbale City sports scene thriving with football and rugby excitement. New playoff format introduced.

The Wolves have achieved promotion to the rugby championship after finishing second in the intense four-team Nile Special Core Status playoffs. This season introduced a new one-leg round-robin mini-league playoffs format, adding to the excitement of the competition.

Weekends in Mbale City are now filled with thrilling sporting entertainment, with the resurgence of football and rugby captivating fans. Mbale Heroes brought joy to football enthusiasts by rejoining the Uganda Premier League after an absence of nearly two decades.

Notably, Elgon Wolves have made history by becoming the first team from greater Bugisu to reach the top level since the collapse of Elgon RFC in the late 1950s to mid-1960s. Their promotion was well-deserved, as they finished second in the playoffs, securing their spot in the rugby championship.

The Victoria University's Sharks emerged victorious with 13 points, four ahead of Wolves. Sharks showcased their dominance by defeating Gulu City Falcons, Wolves, and Kigezi in thrilling matches. Wolves secured their promotion by triumphing over Gulu and Kigezi in away fixtures, showcasing their determination and skill on the field.

Sharks and Wolves have now replaced Impis and Rams, who were relegated to their respective regions. This shift in the rugby landscape highlights the competitive nature of the sport and the constant evolution of teams striving for success.

The formation of Wolves in 2017 marked a breakaway faction from their parent club, Mbale Elephants. Several disgruntled players, including the Katumba brothers, Twahil Magawa, and George Okello, decided to form a new club to pursue their dreams of competing in the league. The establishment of Wolves brought about a new era of rugby in Mbale, with a focus on building strong structures and support systems for sustainable growth.

The dedicated executive team at Wolves, led by David Peter Washeba and Christian Waniaye, has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the club. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, as the club's sister team, She-Wolves, made their debut in the women's league earlier this year, further expanding the reach of Wolves in the rugby community.

Looking ahead, Wolves have set their sights on venturing into the Nile Special Sevens waters after achieving core sevens status last year. Their commitment to growth and development bodes well for the future of the club, as they continue to make strides in the rugby world.