The 2019 Ghana Rugby League Championship has kicked off with a double header, first round, played at Legon Rugby Field in the capital, Accra.
Of the four clubs featuring in this inaugural campaign – all based around the capital – the Panthers defeated Pirates 34-22 and the Bulls overcame Skolars 38-18.
“Our team is very eager to win the championship and the players are working tirelessly to make that happen,” said Edward Donkor, director of rugby at Skolars, whilst his counterpart with the Bulls, Collins Ofosu added: “This competition promises to be a good ground for player development and progression.”
Pirates captain Christian Fafa-Xorla Okpattah was delighted with his side’s first competitive fixture.
“I believe we can win this competition,” he noted, “even though it is going to be a tough league. We have a really good team and we are here for gold.”
The championship continues until July, with players aiming to be considered for the Middle East Africa Championship later this year in Nigeria.
“We will use this tournament to test the best, and prepare ourselves for the internationals,” said Jafaru Awudu Mustapha, team manager of the national side.