League leaders Thousand Hills secured their place in the National Rugby League semi-final play-offs after earning a forfeit win against reigning champions Remera Buffaloes on Saturday. 

The local rugby ruling body, RRF, took the decision to award 1000 Hills the ‘free’ points after Buffaloes, who were supposed to host them, failed to show up at the match venue at Utexrwa in Gacuriro.

The walk-over is the second that the Buffaloes have conceded this season, and in a space of less than three weeks, following another fixture they didn’t honour against Kigali Sharks, on April 2.

However, the decision was met with disbelief by the champions, who claim they were not informed of the first walk-over from the match against the Sharks.

The ‘win’ gives Thousand Hills an eight point lead over Remera Buffaloes (2) and Lion de Fer (3), who are tied on 9 points. Kigali Sharks are bottom with 7 points.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw