Local Rugby powerhouse Lion de Fer began their title defense with a 17-10 victory over rivals 1000 Hills Rugby Club in a tense match held Saturday, November 19, at Red Cross complex.

The pair, which are regarded as favorites for the league title, played what looked like the biggest game of the season, drawing high anticipation from supporters at both ends.

1000 Hills started the game the better side as they headed to the half-time with a 3-0 lead as they were up for a revenge against the side that beat them enroute to winning in the inaugural edition of Big Ant Studios Rugby 7s International tournament.

Lion Fer bounced back in the second half to edge 1000 Hills 17-10 to take home their first victory of the season in style.

"Only experience was key for us to beat them. They are a very good team which is tough in all departments but we have players who can always make the difference with their experience. That’s where the game was won,” said Lion de Fer’s Didier Kamanzi.

" Beating our greatest rivals is the best way for us to start the season. We hope to beat them again in the return leg," he added.

In other fixtures, Muhanga Thunders thumped Kamonyi Puma RFC 34-3 while Resilience narrowly beat Kigali Sharks 17-15.

The Rugby League returned to action after a three-year hiatus.

The last game league was played in 2019. The league came to a halt ever since the Covid-19 pandemic hit Rwanda in March 2020.

While competitions in other sports resumed by the time the pandemic subsided, the local Rugby federation only managed to organize 7-aside and 17-aside competitions.