The first-ever men’s and women’s championships, sponsored by York RLFC, will kick off in Uganda on 30 April. Four male and female teams will take part, each playing the other with a final to decide the eventual respective winners. 

The sides will cover most of the nation, encompassing Kisoro in the south west, Mbale and Bugweri in the east, and Entebbe, Mityana and Gomba in the central region across the competitions. In May, eleven officials from York, including director of rugby Lindsay Anfield, five female players, the club doctor and a media representative will be flying out to the African country to support the initial stages of the partnership.

RLU director, Fortunate Irankunda, noted: “The youngest female will be 16 and the oldest aged 26, while the youngest male will be 17 and the oldest will be 23. The young generation holds the rugby league heart in Uganda. I am just excited, and I await to see the fruits of patience, determination, passion and excellence.”

Isaac Mutyaba, a junior Tag educator and player/coach of the Beluga team, commented: “It's very exciting looking at the journey where we have come from. Transitioning from Tag rugby, to touch rugby and now the real thing featuring all the rugby league pioneers, I can't wait.”

Lucky Nirere, player/coach at Whales Bwerenga Rugby League Club, added: “On behalf of all female teams, this is an opportunity we have waited for. We have played together and played each other but playing in the championship, the first of a kind in this country is what we are all looking to, it really means heaven to us. We are all ready to set standards.”