Buffaloes, Sharks clash as rugby league resumes

SaturdayBuffaloes vs Sharks - 3pmResilience vs Muhanga - 3m SundayLion de Fer vs Thousand Hills - 3pm National rugby league action resumes today as the league picks up from a rocky start that has seen many games postponed with last weekend’s clash between Lion de Fer and Thousand Hills, being the latest victim. Champions Remera Buffaloes will kick off their league title defence with a tricky encounter against a rejuvenated Kigali Sharks side on Saturday at the Utexrwa ground, Gacuriro. Former Buffaloes and Rwanda national team scrum half, Moise Fils Habumugisha, will be hoping to make a winning start to his first game as coach of the reigning champions. “We want to play the ball; it won’t be about hits and using our size to win. I have players, and they are good and we have worked together. We want to win but beautifully,” said Habumugisha, who retired last year due to an arm injury. Rusizi-based Resilience, who are playing their first ever league match, host Muhanga RFC. Muhanga will aim to welcome the newcomers to league rugby with an entertaining running game. However, coach Livingstone Muhire, maintains, the key aim is to win. Muhanga are second in the Southern League with a losing bonus point after their shock 10-11 loss to neighbours, Kamonyi Pumas in the season opening game. On Sunday, Thousand Hills will face Lion de Fer at Utexrwa ground, in a game that was supposed to be played last weekend, but had to be cancelled due to the death of Thousand Hills’ number 8, Ronan Bastit, who is reported to have allegedly committed suicide at his home in Kacyiru, Gasabo District. Speaking to Saturday Sport, Thousand Hills coach, Jimmy Adams Mugabo said it was still a “difficult, and shocking” situation without the hardworking forward. “Everybody is going to play his role on the pitch and play Ronan’s part as well. Ronan always said that we have to win this league, so we will try to do that in his memory,” Mugabo said. Thousand Hills lead the Kigali League after a 10-0 win over Kigali Sharks in their first match. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Buffaloes, Sharks clash as rugby league resumes