Saturday

Kigali Sharks vs Thousand Hills 3pmMuhanga vs Kamonyi Pumas

After a long wait, the rugby national league for the 2016 season will get under way on Saturday, according to the Rwanda Rugby Federation (RRF).

The league will kick off with last season’s runners up Thousand Hills taking on Rugunga-based Kigali Sharks in the only game in Kigali; while the day’s other game will be the Southern Province derby between Muhanga RFC and Kamonyi Pumas.

Ivan Muhire, the captain of Gatenga-based Thousand Hills, said they are prepared for their second season in the league.

Last season, the then league debutants, Thousand Hills did a double over Kigali Sharks, winning the 25-7 in the first round and 20-12 in the second round.

"All the boys have been training for the last two months, we have some new additions and we are ready not only for the league opener but for the entire season,” Muhire said.

Muhanga, who finished third in the 2014/15 league campaign, will be up against Kamonyi Pumas, who finished bottom in the seven-team table standing.  Muhanga won both league meetings with Kamonyi, 15-7 and 16-10 respectively.

The league games in Kigali will continue to be played at the UTEXRWA ground.  The other fixtures will be played next weekend.

The other teams in the league include; Lions de Fer, Remera Buffaloes (defending champions), new league entrants Resilience and University of Rwanda Grizzlies.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw