Lions De Fer RFC and Ruhango Zebras Women RFC are the winners of the Rwanda Rugby National League 2024 season which concluded at the weekend in both men’s and women’s 15-aside competitions, respectively.
The league, which commenced on 23 March featured four women’s teams and nine men’s teams divided into two groups, A and B, competing in a single round-robin format during the group stages.
Men’s Group A
- Lions De Fer RFC
- Kigali Sharks RFC
- Rwamagana Hippos RFC
- Kamonyi Puma RFC
- Burera Tigers RFC
Men’s Group B
- Resilience RFC
- Gitisi TSS
- UR Grizzlies RFC
Women’s GROUP A
- Kamonyi Panthers RFC
- UR Rukara Women RFC
Women’s GROUP B
- Ruhango Zebras Women RFC
- Resilience Women RFC
Ruhango Zebras Women RFC defeated Resilience Women RFC 34-00, while Kamonyi Panthers RFC, who advanced after a walkover victory against UR Rukara Women RFC, 28-00 advanced to the women’s final.
The league finals were held at Camp Kigali playground in Nyarugenge 16 June. The results were as follows:
Ruhango Zebras Women RFC vs. Kamonyi Panthers RFC. Ruhango Zebras Women RFC emerged as champions with a decisive 41-11 victory. Pascaline Uwicyeza from Ruhango Zebras Women RFC was named MVP of the 2024 season.
The men’s second runner-up match saw Kigali Sharks RFC defeat Gitisi TSS with a score of 17-13, securing the runner-up position for Kigali Sharks RFC.
The men’s final match featured Lions De Fer RFC against Resilience RFC. Lions De Fer RFC triumphed with a 30-11 victory, deciding the champion. Kanyamahanga Donat from Lions De Fer RFC was named the 2024 MVP.
Speaking to the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency, Rwanda Rugby Federation president Tharcisse Kamanda expressed his gratitude for the well-organised national league. He highlighted the increasing number of clubs, particularly in the women’s division.
This season marked the inaugural women’s 15s national league, and Kamanda encouraged more women’s clubs to participate in future seasons even as he expressed optimism about the potential for strong national teams for both men and women
