Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) has brought the 2026 Senior League round-robin phase to an early close due to funding constraints, with the top teams now set to advance directly to the semi-finals this Saturday.
The round-robin phase had been scheduled to continue for another weekend, but the BMRFB has opted to conclude it a week early, meaning the semi-finals will be played on Saturday, followed by the finals on September 19.
In a statement, BMRFB vice-chairperson and acting secretary Tafadzwa George Hlatshwayo said the decision to end the league phase ahead of schedule had been reached by the executive committee in consultation with the office of the Director of Rugby in the province.
“The League has for the past 13 weekends being bankrolled by gate takings and being supplemented by the Board coffers due to our inability to secure a funding partner for the league. In light of these events the BMRFB Exco in collaboration with the office of the Director of Rugby has recommended that, after week 13 (round robin matches) teams go straight to semifinals this coming weekend (12 September 2026) and then finals on the 19th of September 2026.”
The BMRFB also expressed gratitude to all participating teams for their commitment throughout the 13-week campaign.
“The BMRFB would like to express its sincere gratitude to all teams that have given their all for the 13 weeks of amazing rugby and sportsmanship,” the statement read.
Following the development, defending champions Old Miltonians (OMs) will be seeking redemption when they face Mahogany Bulls in their semi-final after suffering a shock 29-10 defeat to the same opponents last Saturday.
OMs finished the round-robin phase second on the standings with nine wins from 11 matches, while Gweru-based Mahogany Bulls secured third place with seven victories from elevens outings. Their semi-final is scheduled to kick off at 4.20PM.
In the other semi-final, last season’s runners-up and league leaders Matabeleland Warriors will take on fourth-placed Western Suburbs Panthers. The two sides also met last weekend, with Warriors claiming a convincing 36-12 victory. Their semi-final is set to begin at 2.50PM.
Bulldogs and Highlanders will contest the fifth-place play-off, which is scheduled for 1.20pm.
In the Women’s Championship, the first semi-final at noon will see Warriors take on Wildcats, while OMs will face Bulldogs 40 minutes later.
