The 2024 Ghana Rugby Club Championships 7s concluded at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium on August 31, 2024, after four successful weeks, with many surprises on the final day.
In the Women’s 7s, Conquerors Ladies maintained their fine form, running riot over their counterparts to achieve an unbeaten run and claim the trophy. Oguaa Warriors Ladies were resolute throughout the competition, and their efforts were rewarded with a silver medal after placing second to the champions. Melike Rugby Club Ladies, with their energy and fight throughout the championship, came in as the second runner-up, winning bronze.
Captain of Conquerors Ladies, Paulina Yaa Mensah, was elated about the championship and encouraged women to take up Rugby, saying the championship would help shape them for the upcoming Africa championship. “It’s been an exciting week; it’s all fun as we prepare for the tournament ahead of us. It hasn’t been easy from day one to the final, but we kept soaring. We plead with our executives to open up to more women so we can have more women to justify and get enough quality players to build a formidable side to represent Ghana in the upcoming African Championship.”
One of the most experienced Rugby female players, Khadijah Adams, expressed her happiness that not a single player suffered a serious injury and saw the championship as a warm-up game for the upcoming African tournament. “We thank God that, since we started the league, we did not record any serious injury, and it was like a fun game, although we are preparing for a tournament. So, we pray to correct the minor errors we made during the games. It is good that our leaders have given us the opportunity to play the league to help reshape and give us more experience for future tournaments outside the country.”
The men’s edition was exciting, with intense battles on the final day, as every team gave their all to secure a respectable position in the final ranking table. In the final game of the day, which decided the men’s competition winner, it was a battle of supremacy as Conquerors faced Accra Rugby Club. It was full of fun and end-to-end action that kept fans and the teaming bench on their feet. Accra Rugby Club showed courage and determination as they defeated Conquerors 26-21 in a very close and competitive fixture to win the men’s edition for the first time in their history.
A board member of Ghana Rugby Union, Rafatu Inusah, expressed her gratitude to all the teams and players for making the championship a success. “I’m really excited, and I want to use this opportunity to congratulate all participants who took part in this competition. You know it’s a warm-up for the 15s, and also the ladies are continuing with their competition as they prepare for the 7s Rugby Africa games in Tunisia in two months’ time. So, congratulations to the winners and to all participants who made this event a success.” Rafatu called for all Rugby enthusiasts to come on board and push Ghana Rugby forward. “Ghana Rugby GRCC is for everybody; all are invited, teams, all clubs are invited. If you are invited and didn’t hear, call a friend to call a friend to come and participate. Everyone is invited, especially for the 15s.”
All teams, players, and officiating officials who took part in the 2024 Ghana Rugby Club Championship 7s received certificates for participation. The teams and players will take a two-to-three-week break and resume for the 15s championship.
