Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo
LOCAL rugby enthusiasts are in for a treat when the eagerly anticipated 2026 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing League kicks off at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds on Saturday.
The start of the senior men’s and ladies’ season comes three months after the conclusion of the Under-20 League, which ended in March.
Six matches across both the men’s and ladies’ divisions are scheduled for the opening day.
In the day’s opening fixture, Western Suburbs Panthers Ladies will take on the newly established Old Miltonians (OMs) Ladies side, who will be making their debut appearance. The match is scheduled to start at 11.30am.
Thirty minutes later, Bulldogs Ladies will face Matabeleland Warriors Ladies.
The men’s campaign gets underway with a B League clash between Highlanders and Matabeleland Warriors 2, starting at 12pm.
An hour later, Western Suburbs Panthers will take on Bulawayo Raiders in the Championship Division, with the latter making their 15s debut in the league.
Last season’s runners-up, Matabeleland Warriors, will begin their campaign with a clash against Gweru-based outfit Mahogany Bulls, starting at 2.30pm.
The final match of the day will see defending champions Old Miltonians begin their title defence against Bulldogs.
Last year, the Old Boys completed a historic double, securing back-to-back titles after also winning the 2024 championship.
The OMs and Bulldogs clash is set to get underway at 4pm.
Bongani Ndlovu