Rwanda Rugby Federation (RRF) has urged local clubs to obtain legal status, latest by the end of the 2019 season.

Times Sporthas learned that out of ten teams that comprise the domestic rugby league, only one – Lion de Fer – has legal status.

RRF president, Tharcisse Kamanda, has appealed to all league teams to go through the right channels through Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) to get the legal status before it is forced onto them as the grace period ends with this year.

"It is disappointing that only one club has the legal status, it jeopardizes the quality of the league and the development of the sport in general. All teams have until December this year to present permanent legal status issued by RGB,” said Kamanda.

He further noted that, "If we can have at least three clubs that have registered permanently, it will be easy for the rugby body, which runs on a temporary status, to also have a permanent certificate as a sporting federation.”

Meanwhile, the 2019 national rugby league will begin next month, RRF has revealed.

Last season, Kigali Sharks made history to win their first league title after defeating Rusizi-based side Resilience Rugby Club 27-14 in the final.

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