Samurai Bulldogs Claims Independence Rugby 7S Trophy
By Akeem Busari
The 2016 edition and the 8th in the series of the Independence Rugby 7s tournament ended yesterday at Onikan Stadium, Lagos, with the Samurai Bulldogs carting home the giant trophy and a huge sum prize money.
In the final game of the two day tournament which was organised by the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation in collaboration with the Lagos State Sports Commission, saw the Samurai Bulldogs defeating hard fighting Nigeria champions, Cowrie RFC, 27-10 in a keenly contested duel that had the Kenyan side dominating play in the first stanza. A spirited play by the Azeez Ladipo led Cowrie RFC in the second half had the impressive crowd at the stadium on the edges of their seats. However, it was a little too late as the more experienced Samurai Bulldogs held on to claim the prestigious trophy.
Speaking with the press after the game, Kelechi Mbagwu, the Managing Director of CMB Building Maintainance and Investment Company,the sponsors of the tournament, expressed his satisfaction with the improved standard of the tournament and particularly, the performances of the home based rugby players.
He further lauded the Lagos State Sports Commission for its interest and support for the sport in the state. Even as he promised that efforts would be doubled to make the gentleman's game become a favourite in the country.
Some other teams that took part in the tournament included, Racing RFC, Police RFC, Barewa RFC, Royal Stallions RFC and Abia Buffalos RFC.
By Akeem Busari
The 2016 edition and the 8th in the series of the Independence Rugby 7s tournament ended yesterday at Onikan Stadium, Lagos, with the Samurai Bulldogs carting home the giant trophy and a huge sum prize money.
In the final game of the two day tournament which was organised by the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation in collaboration with the Lagos State Sports Commission, saw the Samurai Bulldogs defeating hard fighting Nigeria champions, Cowrie RFC, 27-10 in a keenly contested duel that had the Kenyan side dominating play in the first stanza. A spirited play by the Azeez Ladipo led Cowrie RFC in the second half had the impressive crowd at the stadium on the edges of their seats. However, it was a little too late as the more experienced Samurai Bulldogs held on to claim the prestigious trophy.
Speaking with the press after the game, Kelechi Mbagwu, the Managing Director of CMB Building Maintainance and Investment Company,the sponsors of the tournament, expressed his satisfaction with the improved standard of the tournament and particularly, the performances of the home based rugby players.
He further lauded the Lagos State Sports Commission for its interest and support for the sport in the state. Even as he promised that efforts would be doubled to make the gentleman's game become a favourite in the country.
Some other teams that took part in the tournament included, Racing RFC, Police RFC, Barewa RFC, Royal Stallions RFC and Abia Buffalos RFC.
