Local rugby powerhouses Lions de Fer and Ruhango Zebras emerged victorious in the just-concluded 2024 15-a-side rugby championship.

The finals, held at Camp Kigali ground on Sunday, June 16, were decided when Lions de Fer triumphed over Rusizi-based side Resilience RC in a 30-10 victory to retain the men's title which they also won in 2023.

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Meanwhile, Kigali Sharks secured third place in after a narrow 17-13 win over Gitisi TSS.

In the women&039;s category, Ruhango Zebras dominated Kamonyi Panthers in a convincing 41-11 to lift the title.

Outstanding performers were also recognized where Donat Kanyamahanga of Lions de Fer was named player of the season in the men's category, while Pascaline Uwicyeza of Ruhango Zebras received the best player award in the women's category.

On top of the trophy, men’s champions Lions de Fer bagged a cash prize of Rwf 500,000 while Ruhango Zebras, who won the women’s championship, took home Rwf 300,000.

The first runners-up in men’s category received Rwf 300,000 while the second runners-up took home Rwf 200,000.

The runners-up in women’s category received Rwf 200,000.

The Rugby 15-aside league, which began in March, featured a group stage format for the men's teams and a round-robin format for the women's teams to determine the finalists.