Rwanda’s rugby heavyweights Lions de Fer and Resilience Women’s Rugby Club emerged victorious in the inaugural Jade Water 7s tournament that took place at IPRC-Kigali over the weekend. The tournament, which marked its first-ever edition, brought together top-tier rugby teams battling for the trophy and other prizes. It also served as the curtain raiser of the 2025 national top tier rugby season which will commence on March 22. British High Commissioner to Rwanda Alison Thorpe was among special guests who followed the tournament where Lions de Fer claimed the men’s trophy after beating 1000 Hills 21-14 in the final. The Rwandan champions had earlier secured their spot in the final by eliminating Resilience 28-05, while 1000 Hills edged Gitisi TSS 21-19 in a closely-contested the semi-final. “The fact that we are winning this tournament for the first time is exciting for us. We faced a strong 1000 Hills side, a team we always compete against, and we made it when we beat them. Hopefully we shall beat them to the league title again,” said Lions de Fer captain Patrick Ikorukwishaka after the victory. A total of 12 teams competed in the men's category, divided into four groups. Only the top team from each group advanced to the semi-finals. The battle for third place saw Gitisi TSS secure a podium finish. ALSO READ: Rugby league season to start in March In the women's category, Resilience Women’s RFC eased past Burera Tigers 14-00 in the final to clinch the trophy. Six teams competed in this category, divided into two groups, with group winners advancing to the final while runners-up battled for third place. Kamonyi Panthers claimed third place after defeating UR Grizzlies. According to club captain Clarisse Uwineza, the trophy boosted their morale ahead of the upcoming Rugby season. “We had been playing for a long time but we couldn’t win a trophy. This victory is special, and it gives us the confidence to prepare even better. We want to inspire more women to take up rugby and prove that it is just like any other sport,” Uwineza said. Tharcisse Kamanda, the President of the Rwanda Rugby Federation, said the tournament went according to plan and unveiled new ambitions to elevate it to an international level in the coming years. “We celebrate the success of the inaugural edition of the competition. Our goal is to make this an international event next year since our partner has agreed to support this vision,” Kamanda said.
