Rams Rugby Club are not your usual high-end team as the likes of Heathens, Kobs and Pirates.
Yet, they have been in existence for the last 25 years. Quietly known as the Mulago Rams, they have for long built their reputation by playing at the Graveyard in Makerere, where they have created a rivalry with the Landlords, Impis, who define themselves as arrogant.
For Rams on the other hand, their history is probably preceded by the fact that until recently, their shirt sponsors have been Lifeguard condoms. For the greater rugby community, it has been a fact used to make fun of the Rams.
But within the fun bits of it, Rams have gained absolute recognition from what they wear across their chests, and when they won the Kyadondo Sevens on Sunday, August 23, the TV crews and camera flashes could not have enough of them, as they proudly dressed up in their Lifeguard blackcurrant kit as proof that it indeed works: It guarded them against the thrust of the more formidable sides like the Walukuba Barbarians, Black Pirates and the Heathens, whom they nicked 12-10 in the final.
Now, as the rugby fraternity heads to Gulu for the fourth stop of the rugby sevens series, the Rams are expected to have the target on their backs. But also, Rams look as proof of a true work in progress despite their challenges.
Richard Lumu, a former Rugby Cranes player, and now Director of Rugby at Rams said that the win at Kyadondo was so significant for them, being a second tier team. He added, however, that it showed how they have improved in terms of grit and focus.
As it stands, Rams are now ranked sixth on the sevens championship log with 39 points. The leaders, Pirates have a total haul of 54, one more than the Heathens. This should be a springboard for the Rams, too, to keep pushing.
Incidentally, the Rams team that shocked many, but also won over several admirers over the weekend has been at this for the last three years. Players like Hossana Opileni, Ryan Jjuuko, Hashim Kaboggoza, Francis Atukunda, and Reagan Mungu have been at it for a while now.
So, the experience and lack of fear for the established order showed at Kyadondo. In fact, Lumu said that considering that their last win of a sevens circuit happened in 2016, the one at Kyadondo was their number one achievement because of the manner in which they did it.
Rams beat all the favourites, including the defending champions Walukuba, Pirates and concluded it with the hosts, Heathens. Meanwhile, Rams coach Jude Rwakayanga is not at all fazed by the challenge ahead.
Instead, he said that he was more delighted to see that their youth development programme has yielded something big, which saw them cloud events at Kyadondo. For what it is worth, Rams win has brought them more reward.
In Gulu, this weekend, they are going to be in group A alongside Pirates, Kampani Eagles, and the Rhinos. This should be a truly tantalizing prospect.
nsimbe.jv@gmail.com