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Zimpapers Sports Hub
ALL but two of the six clubs that were invited to take part in the 2025 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Under-20 league, which is proposed to start on January 25 at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds have confirmed their participation.
Teams were sent invitation letters for the Under-20 league and according to tournament director, George Hlatshwayo, Matabeleland Warriors and a Gwanda based club are the only teams yet to confirm their participation.
Apart from clubs, six schools were also invited to take part and their confirmation is expected before the end of the week.
“Most of the clubs have confirmed their participation. Matabeleland Warriors are still yet to confirm, however, it doesn’t come as a surprise as they did not take part in the previous two editions.
“We had also invited a Gwanda based club who are also still yet to confirm their participation.
“As for schools, we were still waiting on them to first open and then follow ups can be done. Fortunately, schools are opening on Tuesday so we will most likely get the feedback soon,” said Hlatshwayo.
He added that they are looking forward to a competitive tournament.
“All our preparations are going well. Everything is well on course and we are expecting a highly competitive tournament where all the teams will give their all to try and make sure that at the end of things, they are victorious.
“We are calling on all the rugby loving people to kindly come through during matchdays. It is a family friendly environment and all are welcome,” said Hlatshwayo.
The Under-20 league is the traditional season opener nationwide and features various clubs and schools.
Six clubs and five school teams were invited for the BMRFB 2025 edition.
The confirmed clubs are defending champions Old Miltonians (OMs), Highlanders, Panthers and Bulldogs.
The schools that were invited are Christian Brothers College (CBC) Hornets, Milton Elephants, Petra Spartans, Gifford Stingers and Founders High School.
“Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board invites your school/club to take part in the 2025 BMRFB Under-20 rugby league, which is scheduled to kick off on the 25th of January. Please confirm your team or teams’ participation before January 13 to the tournament director,” read the invitation letter sent to teams.
The league will be played on a round-robin basis with the top four teams advancing to the semi-finals.
The league will run simultaneously with the BMRFB Under-20 ladies’ league.
In the women’s category, Bulldogs, Highlanders and Panthers have confirmed their participation.
Old Miltonians are the defending champions having dethroned CBC Hornets who claimed the title in 2023.
In 2023, CBC Hornets were crowned champions after topping the standings with 25 points from five matches
The students won all the matches they played, recording a 40-5 victory over Old Miltonians (OMs) in Saturday’s match to win the first tournament of the year in the local rugby set up.
After the conclusion of the Under-20 league, the Archer Clothing Rugby League is set to get underway soon after with OMs also starting the season defending champions after beating Warriors in an enthralling final last year.
