Gulu Elephants have been demoted from the 2016-17 Nile Special rugby premiership for failing to honor three games.
The chairman of the Leagues’ Management Committee, Mr. Simon Mutama, confirmed the developments in a letter dated Wednesday 25th titled “Failure to honour two games’ and directed to the Chairman Gulu Elephants Rugby Club Gulu .
“In reference to the 2016–17 league, Gulu Elephants has missed two consecutive game,” the letter reads in part.
The bottom side failed to honor two consecutive games against Heathens on Saturday 14th and versus Jobs a week later, both in Kampala.
“As per the Uganda Rugby Union competition participation Agreement, Section 5.9 NO SHOW/WALK OVER under sub section C “Failure to show up for 2 games will lead to an automatic disqualification and a ban from rugby competitions for one year thereafter.”
The Northern Uganda club has been struggling financially and have recently been requesting for help from well-wishers through the team’s media links but all in vain.
“The league Management Committee therefore disqualifies Gulu Elephants Rugby Club from the 2016–17 league.”
The Elephants have the right to appeal this decision to the Uganda Rugby Union executive before close of business on Friday. They are also required to part with UgX 250,000 as appeals fees in case they opt that route.
They are currently sitting at the base of the ten-team league with only one draw and no win in nine outings.