CRU Round 7 Boilover

Round 7 of the Pepsi Capital Rugby Union (CRU) competition’s Premier Grade saw a couple of upsets over the weekend (May 24-25, 2025), at Bava Park. These few upsets that occurred over the weekend at the home of CRU in the nation’s capital took the fans by surprise.  

The Theodist MBB Marlins pulled off a gutsy 22-14 win over the Kramer APAC Brothers, the Moni Plus Nova stunned the Supreme Industries Harlequins with a 22-14 victory, while the Chemcare Juggernauts belted the Northways Consulting Wanderers with a 19-5 win, and the ladder leaders, SWG TSI Valley Hunters, continued their unbeaten run with a 31-17 triumph against the Fincorp University Piggies.

In the last decade, the Brothers and Harlequins used to dominate Bava Park. However, the tables have turned since the rise of the Valley Hunters last season, which saw the cellar-dwellers in the likes of MBB Marlins, Juggernauts, and Nova slowly impose their presence this season. 

The Valley Hunters have maintained their perfect winning streak after round 7 and are topping the standings, the MBB Marlins, Juggernauts, University Piggies, and Nova are rising to become serious contenders, while the Brothers and Harlequins are struggling to deliver consistent performance.

It’s too early to write off the Joe Kautu-coached men and the Harlies but if anything, the two heavyweights have lost their grip to maintain their dominance. The mass exodus of players from both clubs had a toll on the two teams’ respective performances this season.

The SWG TSI-sponsored Valley Hunters are aiming to defend their title, while the new contenders such as MBB Marlins, Uni Piggies, Juggernauts, and Nova are setting their sights on fighting for the top honors. The men in black (Brothers) and jesters of Bava Park (Harlequins) are in the race, but they have not found their groove yet. 

Round 8 of the Pepsi Capital Rugby Union competition will be interesting to watch as the premiership favorites are on loggerheads and fighting to keep their title hopes alive, with the season heading towards the finals. 

Meanwhile, the Capital Rugby Union Women’s (CRUW) competition has also intensified as the premiership favorites, the University Piggies, Harlequins, Sisters, and Valley Hunters lock heads to battle for supremacy.