1000 Hills Rugby Club were crowned men’s National 15s champions after edging Lions de Fer 20–15 in a thrilling final at Nyirangarama Stadium in Rulindo District on Saturday, February 14. The former champions had to fight back after trailing 7–3 in the first half. They returned from the break with renewed intensity, overturning the deficit to dethrone Lions de Fer who had won the trophy in the past five consecutive times. It was also the first trophy for 1000 Hills since 2019. The team is enjoying an exceptional return to Rwandan league since being cleared to compete in all local competitions again after a season-long ban. The rugby federation had requested the club to fulfil documents required to become a member. “We weren’t able to compete in the league due to the ban but 1000 Hills is always a good team. Even during the ban, we kept training and it helped us a lot when we resumed competitions,” said club captain Fabrice Mwenedata. “We are so excited to win this trophy. We way better physically today and I think that’s what made the different in the final,” he added. In the third-place playoff, Gitisi TSS delivered a dominant performance, thrashing Kigali Sharks RFC 51–7 to secure bronze. Then 1000 Hills Women’s Rugby Team completed a memorable double for the club with a commanding 41–19 victory over Ruhango Zebras to lift the women’s championship at the same venue while Kamonyi Panthers claimed third place after defeating Burera Tigers RFC 13–0. Rwanda Rugby Federation president Tharcisse Kamanda commended the teams for raising the level of competition and bringing balance to the tournament. “Look at this final, for instance, there was just a five-goal difference, which is quite not big. So it is giving us reason for optimism about our sport,” Kamanda said. The national 15s championship brought together 11 men’s teams and six women’s teams.
