Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE highly anticipated 2025 Archer Clothing Rugby League is scheduled to get underway this coming Saturday at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds, officials have announced.
Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) revealed on Sunday, saying participating teams had up to yesterday to submit their player registration lists.
Old Miltonians go into this year’s edition as the defending champions after a 16-13 victory over foes Matabeleland Warriors, in a derby final that lived up to expectations.
The Old Boys secured last season’s bragging rights, winning two of the three derbies that were played.
Last year Panthers also got the better of their bitter-rivals, Highlanders, winning two of the three matches they met to secure the bragging rights in one of the league’s most anticipated showdowns.
It remains to be seen who will walk away with the bragging rights this year, as Bulldogs also look to better their performance from the previous campaign, which saw them fail to make the knockouts.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub a fortnight ago, BMRFB chairperson Carrington Busili said this year’s edition will be bigger and better and called on the rugby faithful to come in numbers.
“As usual, we closed last year’s season with a lot of hype. It was characterised by electric rugby. The battle between Old Miltonians and Warriors is always one to look forward to, so the fans can look forward to that derby and trust me, clubs have been putting in a lot of work. The quality is there,” he said.
“Highlanders and Panthers, that’s another fixture not to miss. The rivalry dates back many years.
“So, it’s going to be a season filled with big and exciting moments. To the fans, just come and support Bulawayo rugby, it’s growing, it is coming back to be the giant it is supposed to be.
“This is the home of rugby, history tells us that. So, to the fans, come out, let’s support, let’s enjoy and witness some electric rugby,” said Busili.
The fixtures for the opening week of action are yet to be confirmed. — @brandon_malvin
Bongani Ndlovu