Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE 2025 Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board (BMRFB) Archer Clothing Sevens League burst into life at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds on Saturday, marking a lively start to the shortened format of the game.
It was a carnival of rugby across both the men’s and women’s championships, coming just two weeks after the conclusion of the 15s season that saw Old Miltonians (OMs) crowned champions. The Sevens format brought speed, flair and high scoring contests to Hartsfield, drawing familiar faces from the 15s circuit.
Tournament co-ordinator Busani Ncube said while the opening round ran smoothly, there were still areas that needed attention, particularly on the women’s side where participation was low.
“The attendance wasn’t good, especially on the ladies’ side. We only had three teams, then Bulldogs refused to play against Warriors, I don’t know what issues they had. Ladies only played one game.
With the men’s, Mahogany Bulls were not available for the first round which killed the momentum, but we are hoping that next week they come in and we take it from there. But we have results from one to eight, which helps in allocation of series points.”
Ncube said teams were still adjusting to the different demands of Sevens rugby, with fitness levels revealing the effects of the long 15s campaign.
“Sevens is a different ball game from 15s and teams will have to adjust. Fitness levels were reflecting that teams are a bit scratchy, but they will recover. I’m happy with how some of the clubs showcased their fitness.”
In the men’s category, Old Miltonians, Western Suburbs Panthers, Matabeleland Warriors, Highlanders, Bulldogs, National University of Science and Technology (Nust) and Raiders were in action.
The women’s event featured Matabeleland Warriors, Western Suburbs Panthers and Bulldogs.
At the close of the first round, OMs led the men’s standings with 22 points, followed by Panthers on 19 and Warriors on 17.
Highlanders were fourth with 15 points, Bulldogs fifth on 13, Nust on 12 and Raiders on 11, while Mahogany Bulls remained bottom with none.
In the women’s division, Warriors topped the table with 22 points, Panthers were second on 19 and Bulldogs third on 17.
Match-week two action continues this Saturday at Hartsfield. The Sevens League will run for four weeks, wrapping up what has been an exciting local rugby season that began in February with the Under-20 league. — @brandon_malvin.
