Knights Of Racing Emerge 2015 Champion Of Sandie Rugby

It was a weekend to remember as TurboCrest Sports and La Cabana Lounge entertained Lagosians to an amazing weekend of gravity defying rugby at the 2015 edition of the Sandie Beach rugby fiesta.

The 2 day event kicked off on the 26th of December with kids from schools around the Island converging at La Cabana lounge to enjoy a wonderful day of tag rugby, All Stars defeating the Island Seahawks by 4 tries to 2 to emerge as the inaugural champions while Agborodo Abuka was named the SBR player of the tournament.

Day 2 witnessed an amazing display of transition play amongst home and international teams from Benin Republic, the tournament saw amateur side, Kels RFC qualify as table toppers in Group A while South West league side Gosar RFC emerged second; In Group B, The knights of Racing qualified top of the group and amateur side Gazelles came 2nd. The first semi finial witnessed a shocker as the young Gazelles knocked out team Kels who were the defending champions while the 2013 champions, Knights of Racing defeated hapless Gosar by 4 tries to 1 in the second semi finals.

The final between Gazelles and the Racing Knights took fans on a roller coaster ride with Gazelles going 2 tries up in the first half; the knights fought back to draw the game in the second half, but proceedings went the way of the knights through a last minute try from festus Nwasor. Racing’s Mike Eneji emerged as player of the tournament.

Organiser of the event, Ayo Olatunbosun Johnson and C.E.O of TurboCrest Sports expressed his gratitude to God, PZ Cussons, GlaxoSmithKline, My Family mobile, the rugby fraternity and the general public for trooping out to witness the event, he also thanked the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation Vice President, Olatunji Fasimoye for his generous support and assistance towards the event.

He promised that the next edition will be bigger and better as sandie beach has come to stay in Nigeria

Merlin bow to Cowrie RFC at Finals Of Rugby 7s President Cup trophy

The deadly combination of Onoru Jatto, Christian Ogar, Afiz Ayinla, Azeez Ladipo were all that Cowrie RFC needed to clinch the 1st edition of the President Cup Rugby 7s tournament which held on friday the 23rd and Saturday the 24th of October 2015 at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos.

The current South West Rugby league champions decimated Merlin RFC of the UK in what happened to be a repeat of the 1st match of the tournament.

With bookmakers expecting a keenly contested game, Cowrie proved all wrong as Black Stallions winger, Christian Ogar scored a try less than 20 seconds into the game to open a 5 points lead against the Merlins who appeared to be struggling under the hot sun.

Merlins RFC, Rugby 7s President Cup

With Merlin RFC still reeling from the point conceded, Ladipo Azeez piled on more pressure with a try before Ogar added 2 tries to earn the Most Valuable Player prize of the tournament.

Despite spirited efforts from the Merlins in the second half, it was a case of too little too late as the game ended 48 points to 14 in favor of Cowrie RFC.

Speaking after the victory, captain of the side, Azeez Ladipo said the victory was a sweet reward for about 3months of training in preparation for the tournament as he commended his team for stepping up their game when it really mattered.

In the 3rd place match, Barewa RFC of Kaduna who narrowly lost to Cowrie in the semifinals were too strong for Racing RFC as they ran away by 7-0 scoreline.

In the Plate finals, Police RFC once again failed to live up to pre-tournament expectations as they were decimated by Panthers RFC by 19 points to 12.

Azeez Ladipo of Cowrie RFC passing the ball

It was all about Parakou RFC of Benin Republic who came, saw and conquered in the Shield category as they defeated Delta RFC by 21 points to 17.

Gosar RFC also went home with the competition’s Bowl.

The competition held in a perfect family atmosphere which saw hundreds of rugby fans from the UK, South Africa and all over Nigeria come with their spouses and children to grace the tournament where enough food and drinks were made available by the organisers.

Cowrie, Merlins Book Semi-Final Tickets At Inaugural Rugby 7s President Cup In Lagos

The 1st edition of the President Cup took off in grand style on Friday at the Onikan stadium with Cowrie RFC winning all their 3 matches to qualify for the cup semifinals of the 1st edition of the tournament.

Cowrie defeated Merlins RFC from UK by 19points to 15 before displacing Gosar RFC by 47 points to 0 in a one sided affair.

In their last game, they handed Sabongari RFC a 26-0 defeat to finish at the top of group A.

Still in group A, Merlins recovered well from their 1st defeat as they bounced back to win their 2nd game against Sabongeri RFC by 26points.

Merlins RFC, Rugby 7s President Cup

The UK team finished their last group stage game against Gosar RFC with an emphatic 28 points victory to finish second in the group, qualifying for the cup semifinals.

Barewa RFC started their President Cup campaign on a bright note defeating Panthers RFC made up of foreign and home based Nigerian players by 17points to 5 and then winning their last game against Delta RFC by 24points to 0

Police RFC whom many tipped to get to the finals of the competition fell by the roadside as they narrowly lost out of the cup semifinals with points differences after beating Parakou RFC of Benin Republic by 12-5 and later playing a 7-all draw with eventual group winner, Racing RFC.

With the finals slated for tomorrow, Cowrie RFC will battle Barewa RFC while Merlin will take on Racing who finished top of group B with 5 points in the Cup semifinals of the inaugural edition of the competition.

Sabon Gari RFC, Rugby 7s President Cup

In the Plate semifinals Panthers will face Sabongeri RFC and Police will take on Gosar. The Shield finals will take place between Delta RFC and Parakou RFC of Benin Republic.

The finals will commence by 11:00am on Saturday at the Onikan stadium Lagos.

Independence Rugby 7s’ International Flavour Good For Home Based Boys – Fom Pam

The President of the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation, Sir. Edward Fom Pam says the fast approaching CMB Building Maintenance & Investment Company Ltd sporsored Independence Rugby Sevens invitational tournament organised by the Friends of Rugby in conjunction with the federation will positively impact on the standard of the home based players.

“We have our Independence Sevens coming up, slated for October and a lot of international clubs are coming to beef up the competition.”

“Like the Western Province and other clubs coming from UK and across Africa, you know that it will beef up the intensity of your home grown players”

Cowrie RFC Captain Azeez Ladipo Receiving the winner’s Trophy from then Governor of Lagos State Babatunde Fashola

He believes the tournament which will be held between the 23rd and 24th of October at the Onikan stadium featuring foreign clubs like Accra Sharks from Ghana, Western Province of South Africa, Parakou RFC of Republic of Benin, UR7s of Kenya, Panthers International and Merlins Invitational both from the UK will definitely stretch the home based players to the limit and bring out the best in them..

According to the technical committee of the federation, the tournament will be used by the national team handlers to select players to camp ahead of the 2016 Olympics qualifiers coming up in Johannesburg in November.

“We are mixing our grassroots players with our foreign exports also known as Nigerian Exiles ahead of the Olympics qualifiers”.

Defending Champions Cowrie RFC will lead other Nigerian club sides- Barewa RFC, Kaduna RFC, Sabon Geri RFC, Jos RFC, Racing RFC, Police Machines, Gosar RFC, South South 7s and South East 7s to the 2 day competition.

NRFF Announces Slight Adjustment To Independence Rugby Sevens Date

The Nigerian Rugby Football Federation in conjunction with Friends of Rugby have finally announced Friday, 23rd and Saturday, 24th of October as dates for this year’s International Independence Rugby Sevens taking place at the Onikan stadium, Lagos.

According to information made available by the tournament manager, Fasimoye Olatunji, this decision was made after majority of the foreign teams complained about the original date stressing that traveling immediately after the tournament may not be good enough.

Cowrie RFC, winners 2014 Independence 7s

Accra Sharks from Ghana, Western Province of South Africa, Parakou RFC of Republic of Benin, UR7s of Kenya, Panthers International and Merlins Invitational both from the UK are all expected to arrive on Thursday 22nd with all visas related issues already sorted out.

Last year’s winner, Cowrie RFC will lead clubs like Barewa RFC, Kaduna RFC, Sabon Geri RFC, Jos RFC, Racing RFC, Police Machines, Gosar RFC, South South 7s and South East 7s to repel foreign invasion in their quest to retain the title in Nigeria.

16 TEAMS FOR NIGERIA INDEPENDENCE RUGBY SEVENS INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT

Sixteen teams are set to feature in the seventh edition of the Independence Rugby 7s International Tournament at The Onikan Stadium Lagos, Nigeria on the 24th and 25th of October 2015 .

Participating teams are from within and outside Nigeria and Thelo Wakefield; the President of WP Rugby Union will also make an appearance.

Defending champions Cowrie RFC and 2014 runners up; Barewa RFC make a comeback to the tournament that also features Western Province from South Africa, Ultimate Rugby 7s (Kenya), Panthers Internationals and Merlins Invitational from the UK.

Other teams are; The Police Machines RFC, Plateau Tigers RFC, Kaduna RFC, Racing RFC, Accra Sharks from Ghana, Parakou RFC from Benin Republic, Gosar RFC, SabonGeri RFC, South-South 7s and South East 7s.

Cowrie RFC, Winners of 2014 Independence 7’s

“The Independence Rugby Sevens International Tournament is organized by Friends of Rugby, and It was started in 2009 it is held annually to commemorate Nigeria’s independence anniversary. Asides the commemoration of Nigeria’s Independence, the tournament will also afford National team players an opportunity to use the tournament to prepare for the Olympic qualifiers set for November in South Africa where the Black Stallions of Nigeria are pooled alongside Zimbabwe who emerged fourth at the end of the recently concluded Safari 7s, Uganda and Zambia.

South-West Rugby Union League Ready To Resume April 25th

Southwest Rugby League

Organizers of the South-West league; Friends of Rugby held a meeting last weekend to review the phase of the league and they have announced 25th of April as the resumption date of the second phase of the league.

The resumption of South-West rugby league is a great way to end April and it promises to be a fascinating opening weekend with second placed team on the log; Racing RFC facing off with the oldest club in Lagos, Lagos RFC. Spectators will witness a local derby between Gosar RFC and EcoII RFC with both teams based in Ajegunle. Defending champions and league leaders Cowrie RFC are billed to face Hawksters Athlethics RFC although the match may not hold as Hawksters Athletics is yet to appeal the sanction placed on them by the NRFF since October 2014. The last match of the opening day will be between Police RFC and Ilorin based Royal Stallion RFC.

The chairman of Friends of Rugby; Mr Kelechukwu Mbagwu announced at the meeting that a Preparatory/Enablement fee from league sponsors; CMB Building Maintenance & Investment Co. Ltd will go to all participating teams. Mr Mbagwu also congratulated the Northern League organizers for a job well done on the completion of their 2014 League Season.

An anti doping seminar will be held at the press conference before the start of the League to be handled by Doctor Bukola Bojuwoye with all team coaches and captains mandated to attend.

Cowrie RFC Proves Superiority ‎Over Gosar RFC

Cowrie RFC in its bid to test its readiness for the Cape Town Tens ‎tournament in South Africa schedule for the 6th and 7th of February 2015 at the Hamilton grounds in Cape Town proved it’s superiority over Gosar RFC on Saturday 31st January 2015 after two sets of tens game at the Navy Ground in Ajegunle, Lagos State.

Cowrie RFC ‎won the first set with four tries and later winning the second game with three tries, Christain Ogar of Cowrie RFC gave a good account of him self scoring three tries in both games affirming his status as the star boy of the home based rugby players in Nigeria.

Pictures from the recent friendly between Cowrie RFC and Gosar RFC in Lagos

Speaking with the media at the event, the Technical Director of NRFF (Fasimoye olatunji) expressed his ‎satisfaction over the standard of the game and the turnout of spectators stating that both teams showed understanding of the game and I like the fact that they gave the spectators a good show of rugby. the event also served as an exibition for grassroot development’

Cowrie Rugby Up For Gosar Test Ahead Of Cape Town Tens Rugby Tournament:

Prop Sunday Bassey believes Cowrie will be facing a young quality opposition when they face Gosar at the Navy Grounds, Ajegunle on Saturday ahead of Cowries trip to South Africa.

Cowrie RFC in a bid to test its readiness for the Cape Town Tens Tournament in South Africa next weekend will be playing a friendly match against Gosar RFC at the Navy ground Ajegunle, the match will be played as an opener for the third place match of Mock Football Nations Cup on the 31st January 2014.

Captain of Cowrie RFC Azeez Ladipo in Action

“We think that they will come with a good plan on Saturday though it’s a test match. In our league match against them, they were very determined and remain a tough nut to crack. We will have to deal with their kicking game and try to impose our game onto them. Tens rugby is a different ball game and I think we should be able to control the game. Sunday said.

Cowrie RFC will be participating in the biggest rugby tens tournament in the world ‘The Cape town tens’, the team is a pioneer member of the event and will be appearing for the 6th time in the tournament.

Racing RFC from Lagos will also be featuring in this year’s Cape Town tens as first timers.

All Is Set For The Biggest 7’S Rugby Tournament In West Africa

Tournament manager of the Independence Rugby 7’s Championship ‘Fasimoye Olatunji’ as affirmed that despite the withdrawal of international teams, the tournament promises to be of top standard, 13 teams from all over the regions in Nigeria will be competing for Cup, Plate and bowl silverware.

The tournament which will be staged at the Onikan Stadium Lagos on the 31st October and 1st November 2014 from 10am – 6pm on both days will feature defending champions,

Independence Rugby 7s Tournament

Police Machine and last year’s runner up Cowrie RFC.

Other teams are:

Hawkster Athletics,

Racing RFC,

Gosah RFC,

Covenant University RFC,

Royal Stallions RFC,

South-South RFC,

Abia Buffalos RFC,

Zaria RFC,

Barewa RFC,

Plateau Tigers and Abuja RFC.

The tournament promises to be a fun filled one and entry into the venue is free. Fasimoye as has called on all rugby fans and the general public to come out en-mass to support and enjoy the tournament.

Independence Rugby 7’S Championship: Barewa Rfc And Zaria Secure Slots

After an highly contested play off in the Northern Region this weekend, Plateau Tigers RFC, Barewa RFC and Zaria RFC have secured a slot in this year’s Independence Rugby 7’s championship, Also, Royal Stallions RFC of Ilorin secured a slot after Marlins RFC of UK withdraw from the championship.

Following this development, the tournament manager Fasimoye Olatunji who is also the Technical Director of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation confirmed that sixteen teams will be participating in this year’s edition:

Alexander RFC of Egypt,

Cosmos Buffalos of Ghana,

Botswana Vultures,

Nigerian Exile RFC of UK,

Police Machine of Lagos (Defending Champions),

Cowrie RFC of Lagos,

Racing RFC of Lagos,

Hawkster Athletics of Lagos,

Gosar RFC of Lagos, Zaria RFC,

Barewa RFC,

Plateau Tigers RFC of Jos,

Abuja RFC,

Buffalos RFC of Abia,

South South RFC

and Royal Stallions of Ilorin.

Independence 7’s: Hawster Athletics, Racing RFC And Gosar RFC Grab Playoffs Spot

Fasimoye further stated that the teams will be grouped into four groups consisting of four teams each and they will play for CUP, Plate, Bowl and Shield.

Exciting action, delicious meals, a great crowd, is what best describes the Independence Rugby 7s tournament which is held annually by the rugby community to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence anniversary.

This year’s edition will be held at the Onikan Stadium, Onikan, Lagos on the 31st of October and 1st of November 2014.

Independence 7’s: Hawster Athletics, Racing RFC And Gosar RFC Grab Playoffs Spot

Hawster Athletics, Racing RFC and Gosar RFC booked a place at the fast approaching Independence 7’s tournament alongside last year’s champion Police Machine of Lagos and runner up, Cowrie Rugby Football club who were handed an automatic ticket for the rugby fiesta scheduled for 10th and 11th of October 2014 which promises to be bigger and better with eleven local team and five international teams expected to battle for the trophy, at the Onikan stadium.

Independence 7’s: Hawster Athletics, Racing RFC And Gosar RFC Grab Playoffs Spot

Hawster Athletics and Racing RFC were the first to qualify from the playoffs but still had to battle for supremacy in the final of the playoffs with Hawster crowned the play-off king after a very entertaining and mind blowing match characterized by unprecedented display of pure adrenaline

The aged but experienced Racing RFC could not withstand the youthfulness of Hawster Athletic who tore into them several times with their lightening and blazing speed with the final scores at 14 -10 making it the first time Hawster Athletic recorded a win over Racing RFC.

After a round robin game by six teams divided into 2 groups decided on Sunday 24th 2014 at the Main bowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, Royal Stallions of Ilorin lost their slot in this year’s tournament losing 17-12 to Gosar RFC in the third place match of the playoffs with Gosar RFC which is the most improved club in southwest league giving a good account of themselves.

Speaking after their qualification, the head Coach of Gosar RFC, Gbenga Hammed said
, it was a great honor and achivement to book a place in the most prestigeous sevens tournament in West Africa.

Independence 7’s: Hawster Athletics, Racing RFC And Gosar RFC Grab Playoffs Spot

The former Nigerian international and Captain of the Black Stallions emphasized that his team will immediately hit the gym in their preparation for the 2 day rugby fest as they are determined to win a silverware at this year’s tournament.

Meanwhile, Northern clubs will also battle to claim three slots allocated to the region while South South, South East region and the Capital territory clubs will play for a slot each in the event.

Speaking with journalists after the play-offs, the Technical Director of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Fasimoye Olatunji commended all participating teams for their high level of discipline and expressed satisfaction over the standard and performance of the southwest teams while predicting that the trophy is likely to be retained in the zone considering the standard of the matches he witnessed during the playoffs