Arusha Rhinos triumph at Dar Touch Rugby tourney

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Arusha Rhinos rugby team secured the Dar Touch Rugby Trophy with a commanding 5-0 victory over the host Dar Leopards at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club (DGC) ground over the weekend.

Demonstrating exceptional defensive skills, the Rhinos effectively withstood early pressure from the home team to clinch the title.

In addition to the main event, the International School of Tanganyika (IST) emerged victorious in the Plate finals after defeating the Dar Hot Chill Steppers 8-4 in an exhilarating match.

The annual Touch Rugby tournament, hosted by the Dar Leopards Rugby Football Club (RFC), drew nearly 200 players from three regions of Tanzania: Iringa, Arusha and Dar es Salaam.

The day-long event underscored the growing enthusiasm for rugby in Tanzania and attracted numerous spectators who enjoyed a full schedule of competitive matches and community activities.

This year’s tournament was dedicated to nurturing local talent from diverse backgrounds, offering players a chance to enhance their skills in a highly competitive environment.

The matches were fiercely contested, with the Arusha Rhinos ultimately emerging as the champions.

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The event also featured a range of family-friendly activities, including a visit from the Every Living Thing animal welfare charity, a bouncy castle, face painting and other games, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for attendees.

Chairman of the Dar Leopards RFC, Gustav Mphusu, commended the tournament success, attributing it to the generous support of local businesses and organisations.

“We are deeply grateful to our Silver sponsors HIMOINSA, Fat Cap & Brisket and Roadgrip, as well as our Bronze sponsors Henderson Risk, Southern Sun Tanzania and MAK Music and Art Centre,” he said.

Mphusu also acknowledged the contributions of those who sponsored players, which helped make the tournament accessible to participants from across Tanzania.

“Dar Leopards RFC extends its gratitude to the Tanzania Rugby Union (TRU) for their ongoing commitment to developing rugby across the country and for supporting events that help raise the standard of the sport.

TRU chairman Jacob Jonas was among participants at the event. “We are proud to see the level of competition grow each year,” said Mphusu.

“Our mission is to raise the standard of rugby in Tanzania by providing a platform for players to challenge themselves against strong opponents,” he added.

Mphusu emphasises that the tournament shows that Tanzanian rugby is on the rise, and they are committed to pushing it even further.