Kaduha Tigers Rugby Club have hit local rugby headlines after leapfrogging 2007 champions Gorillas to finish second in the 2008 national league.

With just a win against Sharks, a draw against UNR Grizzlies and a loss to Buffaloes, the Cyangugu based club still managed to clinch onto second place after picking four walk-overs on the trot to take them to 27 points.

Tigers that were only making their second league appearance enjoyed walk-overs against Gorillas, Puma, Simba and Lion de Fers.

"It’s strange but true. Tigers are second because they picked up a lot of default points,” a senior federation official, Gerard Nsenga, said.

He was however quick to add this is not good for Rwandan rugby. "The club was not tested because they hardly played. So the federation is urging clubs to avoid a similar scenario next year.”

Buffaloes on the other hand claimed their first league title. The Remera outfits that only lost to Gorillas recorded 31 points.

Gorillas settled in third place with 25 points while UNR Grizzlies beat three-time champions Lion de Fers to fourth place after losing fewer games. Both clubs tied on points (22).

Sharks finished 6th with 14 points, Puma came 7th with 10 points while weaklings Simba finished last with seven points after failing to win a single game.

After making the results public, there have been a lot of mixed reactions about Tiger’s position.

"In future, clubs who recklessly give away walk-overs should be penalized,” a UNR Grizzlies’ official reckoned.

Buffaloes will be officially crowned champions at the end of this month.

Final standings

1. Buffaloes              31 pts
2. Tigers                  27pts
3. Gorillas                 25pts
4. UNR Grizzlies         22pts
5. Lion de Fers          22pts
6. Sharks                 14pts
7. Puma                   10pts
8. Simba                   7pts

Ends