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The Uganda Rugby Union has ordered the replay of Elgon Wolves and Warriors game after finding the Mbale side guilty of using ineligible players from Kenya.
Warriors RFC will have another shot at topflight after the Uganda Rugby Union nullified and ordered a replay of the playoffs semifinal match against Elgon Wolves.
The Mbale side won the match played on June 3rd at Dams Water in Jinja 15-10, courtesy of Calvin Bukhala and Derrick Aporu’s tries.
However, the side that had shown total dominance over Warriors in the thriller was accused of using ineligible players from Kenya.
Warriors appealed within the 24-hour period as stipulated by the law.
Ineligible
“Warriors RC contested the outcome of Elgon Wolves in the Championship game that was played at Dam Waters in Jinja last Saturday, 3rd June 2023 based on the fielding of ineligible players,” URU revealed.
Warriors specifically picked out two players who turned out for Homeboyz and Sigalagala RFC in Kenya.
Pulse Sports understands that Brighton Bakasa is one of the two.
The URU Appeals Committee led by Eric Butiime and CEO Isaac Lutwama found Elgon Wolves and the Eastern Rugby Association in breach of regulations 4.5.6, 4.5.8 and 4.6.1 regarding the registration of players.
The committee also faulted themselves for failing to fulfil regulation 4.5.11, that states, “Each Union shall maintain a register of all Contract Players and all Dual Registered Players under its jurisdiction and shall provide access to and/or copies of such register (or any part thereof) on demand, to World Rugby."
Wolves were exonerated because of this reason.
Verdict
After assessing all the evidence adduced and submissions, the committee decided to cancel the results of the game and ordered a replay.
“Orders a replay of the match between Warriors RC and Elgon Wolves RC with eligible players,” the verdict signed by URU Secretary Peter Odong reads.
“Match to be replayed on 10th June 2023 at Dam Waters Jinja at the cost of URU,” the committee ordered.
The development means that the Championship playoff final that was scheduled for this weekend has been pushed to June 17th.
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