Defending champions Stanbic Black Pirates are on the brink of booking their place in the Uganda Rugby Premiership final after leading 15–3 in Round One against Platinum Credit Heathens.
This Saturday, they host the Heathens in Semi-Final One, Round Two at King’s Park Arena, Bweyogerere. With Toyota Buffaloes already through to the final after defeating Makerere Impis, this match is decider: winner advances to face Buffaloes, loser settles for third place.
Heathens have fully brought back all their senior players and best performers for this encounter. In Round One, they defended for most of the 80 minutes, keeping Pirates to just 15 points. If they can replicate that defensive intensity and capitalise on early leads, they could still get a chance at the finals.
The rivalry runs deep. Heathens handed Pirates their first loss of the season with a 30–26 regular-season victory at Kyadondo on 28 February. Their plan was clear: win the breakdown, slow Pirates’ ball, and stay patient in attack. They scored 30 points against a side that has dominated territory throughout the season.
Pirates are defending champions after winning the 2025 title and hold three Premiership crowns in total (2018, 2023, 2025). They have controlled games through territory and kept their composure under pressure. But Kyadondo is the only place they’ve lost in 2026. King’s Park is a fortress — Pirates don’t lose when defending their grounds. Heathens must put up a fight if they want to close out this tie.
Pirates will rely on home advantage and their 12-point lead. Heathens will aim to execute the same defensive plan that limited them to just three points in Round One, now with their full senior and best lineup available. If Heathens defend like that again and capitalise on early leads, they may yet get a chance at the finals.
This is the second year the pair have met in the semi-finals. In 2025, Pirates beat Heathens in both legs (42–31 aggregate) before winning the title against Jinja Hippos. In 2024, Heathens won the final 15–13 over Pirates.
Before kick-off: In memory of the late Sydney Gongodyo Gyabi, a former Pirates flanker, Pirates has organised a memorial at King’s Park Arena starting at 11:30 AM with arrival and assembly, followed by a panel discussion on mob attack action, a fundraiser for Sydney’s estate and family, and then the launch of the #SydneyisMe and #SydneyYenze campaign. The game will follow, and a wind-down session at 7 PM will close the day.
Follow the official Uganda Rugby, social media accounts to keep up with all information from the games including fixtures, results, and statistical information. Uganda Rugby is also available via WhatsApp Channel, simply tap the icon below to follow.
