Rugby League: Wolves win inaugural Nairobi 9s Rugby League tournament

Wolves, winners of the inaugural Kenya Rugby League Federation rugby 9s tournament played at the Railway Grounds, Nairobi on Saturday, February 1, 2020. [Standard Sports]

Wolves are champions of the inaugural Nairobi 9’s Rugby League tournament after defeating a resilient Rhinos 16-0.

Wolves, who looked more superior showed their intent from the blow of the whistle, touching down 4 times - two in each half with no conversion. The Rugby League maiden tournament was held at the Nairobi Railway Club.

Before reaching the final, Wolves played Nairobi Touch Rugby international in the first semi-final winning 20-8, while in the second semi, Rhinos played Ruffians Nakuru where Rhino emerged victorious 26-0.

A total of eight teams took part in the torunament played on a round-robin basis. Three teams came from outside Nairobi; Nakuru, Meru and Kisumu.

According to Kenya Rugby League Federation chairman Richard Nyakwaka, the tournament was crucial to kick start Rugby League activities in the country.

“The reception from teams was good and now young talent that didn’t have opportunity to play competitive rugby have a home.”

Benjamin Ayimba, who is Rugby League board member and head of coaching and rugby development said: ‘’This ushers a new era in the rugby scene and our main aim as Rugby League will be to nurture and grow new and untapped talents that the country is endowed with.”