The Mini Stadium in Ubakala, Umuahia South LGA, Abia State, came alive on April 5 as the first-ever Southeast Rugby Festival delivered a thrilling day of rugby action, hosted by the Abia State Rugby Association.
Four men’s teams—Abia Buffalo RFC, Imo Wildcats RFC, Anambra Tigers RFC, and Coal City RFC from Enugu—battled it out in a round-robin showdown.
The hosts, Abia Buffalo RFC, kicked things off with a hard-fought 5-point win over Coal City RFC but fell to Imo Wildcats RFC by the same margin in their next match. Coal City RFC regained ground with a walkover victory against Anambra Tigers RFC, while Imo Wildcats sealed the title with a 5-0 triumph over Coal City in the final clash.
Final Standings (Men’s Category):
Imo Wildcats RFC – 10 points (2 wins)
Coal City RFC – 7 points (1 win, 1 loss)
Abia Buffalo RFC – 5 points (1 win, 1 loss)
Anambra Tigers RFC – 0 points (walkover loss)
Event organizer Mr. Obuneme Dike hailed the tournament’s success, noting, “The games ran seamlessly from 10am to 2:45pm, and the crowd’s energy was electric.” Assistant Technical Representative Mr. Onyekachi Stephen Ibegbulam added, “This festival marks a milestone for rugby in the Southeast. We’re excited about our ‘Catch Them Young’ school program and already planning a schools tournament for August.”
Dr. Ademola Are, President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, praised the organizers and reaffirmed support for the region’s growing rugby scene, calling the Southeast a “hotbed of talent.”