Scores of teams went head to head in a Lions 7’s Tournament hosted at Randfontein Rugby Club in Greenhills on Saturday, 23 and Sunday, 24 March.
The tournament had three sections – a Senior Men’s competition which consisted of 24 teams split into four pools with Raiders Rugby Club eventually being crowned champs after beating UJ in the final 26–0. In the U/20 Men’s section, UJ suffered their second defeat of the day when they went down to Wits 19–12. Mufulira Rugby Club from Zambia then won the Women’s section via sudden death, and gave UJ their third successive loss in the tournament.
Other local clubs to have participated in the two Men’s sections were Harlequins, Randfontein, Kagiso and Roodepoort.
According to Johan Cronje, Randfontein Rugby Club chairperson, it was great to have the Zambian club take part in the challenge, especially considering they had spent two days on the road just to get here.
“This was our biggest Lions 7’s Tournament to date. We had 43 rugby teams taking part, and competition between the clubs and universities was fierce, exciting and a good sign for sevens rugby,” Johan said.
He added that during the prize-giving ceremony, some outstandingly talented players were deservedly honoured.
“We awarded the best player among the seniors, the juniors and the women respectively,” Johan said.