Rwanda Rugby Federation (RRF) has introduced the second division league for the first time since its inception 25 years ago. The league was initially scheduled to commence in May, 2020 but it was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The league’s inaugural season kicks off Saturday, February 25, and concludes on April 1. It opens with four participating teams namely Burera Tigers RFC, Rubavu Eagles RFC, Rwamagana Hippos and UR Grizzlies RFC. Rugby federation president Tharcisse Kamanda anticipates a ‘very competitive tournament’ which he believes has the potential to produce a host of new young talents that will carry the Rwandan rugby in the future. “Usually, these second division teams used to participate in our competitions. UR Grizzlies RFC, for instance, played in the first division. They have now decided to start in the second division after some of their players have completed their studies,” Kamanda said. Other teams, he said, were participating in regular 'Open Tournaments' that the federation organized. But, in order to promote young talents and bring the game to everyone, Kamanda further is confident these games will help participating teams to have regular competitions. We start with a small number of teams, but we hope the number of participants will increase next season because we are investing our efforts in encouraging other teams to participate, Kamanda explained. The league will be played in a two-legged knockout stage where Burera Tigers RFC will face Rubavu Eagles RFC on Saturday, February 25, while Rwamagana Hippos will face UR Grizzlies RFC. The return leg will be played on March 18. The two losing teams will compete for the third place, while the two finalists will meet in the final. Both games are scheduled on April 1.
