Conquerors Sporting Club’s men’s rugby team stamped their dominance on the 2025 Greater Accra Rugby Association (GARA) sevens competition securing the championship in emphatic fashion at the Legon Rugby Sports Stadium.
The tournament, organised by the newly elected leadership of GARA, showcased the finest rugby talents in the region.
In a thrilling final, Conquerors dismantled Accra Rugby Club with a commanding 20-0 victory, demonstrating superior tactical discipline and attacking prowess.
Their female counterparts, Conquerors Ladies, also reigned supreme, dispatching Melike Rugby Club 22-0 to claim the women’s title.
For their efforts, the champions were awarded a trophy along with products. Accra Rugby Club, the runners-up, and third-placed Hunters Rugby Club also received products from the sponsors in recognition of their performances.
GARA Vice President applauds growth of Rugby in Ghana
The Vice President of GARA, Hajj Abdul Samad, expressed satisfaction with the level of competition, highlighting the significant strides rugby has made in Ghana.
“This tournament is just the beginning for us as newly elected executives. We are building momentum in the region, and Ghana Rugby as a whole is progressing well. Our goal is to further develop the sport, and we have numerous initiatives lined up, including school leagues, community rugby, and grassroots development through the ‘Get Into Rugby’ program,” he noted.
He emphasised the importance of exposing young talents to the game, particularly in rugby- rich areas like Mamobi and Madina, where many have the potential to excel. “When they see tournaments like this, it inspires them to take up rugby. That’s why we are committed to making this an annual event and appreciate our sponsors for their invaluable support,” he added.
A packed calendar ahead
Looking ahead, GARA has outlined an ambitious roadmap for the season. The next sevens tournament is tentatively scheduled for April, with plans to transition into the 15s format later in the year. Additionally, a ‘Captain’s Teams Tournament’ is in the pipeline, featuring national team captains leading select squads in a showcase event.
The highly anticipated President’s Cup is also on the agenda, alongside the rollout of a structured school rugby league.
Reflecting on Ghana Rugby’s progress, Samad acknowledged the influence of Herbert Mensah, the President of Rugby Africa, stating, “Under his leadership, the sport in Ghana has witnessed remarkable growth. Our responsibility now is to sustain that momentum and push rugby to even greater heights.”
Accra Rugby Club Coach Reflects on Performance
Despite falling short in the final, Accra Rugby Club’s head coach, Robert Oram, remained upbeat about his team’s overall performance.
“As a coach, losing the final is disappointing, but these tournaments provide invaluable opportunities for our younger players to gain experience. That, in itself, is a big positive for us,” Oram stated.
He outlined the club’s ambitions for the rest of the year, emphasizing their determination to retain the national sevens championship and improve on their runner-up finish in the 15s competition. “We aim to go one step further in the 15s tournament this year. Additionally, we are planning a tour to Abidjan in May, following last year’s successful trip to Togo. Hosting international teams in Ghana is also part of our broader strategy,” he revealed.
Beyond competition, Oram stressed the club’s commitment to rugby development. “There’s a wealth of untapped talent in Ghana. We actively promote the sport, encouraging young athletes to consider rugby as a viable path, rather than solely focusing on football,” he added.
Conquerors’ Nhyira Owusu-Ansah on the Road to Redemption
For Conquerors’ player Nhyira Owusu-Ansah, the victory was particularly significant given the team’s past struggles against Accra Rugby Club.
“Last year was tough for us, especially after losing to them. That defeat pushed us to work harder, and it ultimately paid off. Accra Rugby Club is a strong team that never gives up, so we had to be at our best,” he remarked.
He emphasised the need for more competitive matches to sharpen their skills. “Sometimes, our performance in major tournaments is affected by a lack of regular high-level competition. More of these events will help us refine our game and raise our standards,” Owusu-Ansah added.
Final Standings:
Conquerors Sporting Club – Champions
Accra Rugby Club – 2nd Place Hunters Rugby Club – 3rd Place Melike Rugby Club – 4th place Accra Majestic – 5th place African Warriors RFC – 6th place Dansoman Hurricanes – 7th
Idas Sports Rugby Club – 8th place
The 2025 GARA Rugby Sevens competition was proudly sponsored by Procus Ghana Ltd, the manufacturers of Kivo, Soft Care, and Kleesoft products. With the sport gaining momentum, Ghana Rugby’s future looks brighter than ever.
Credit: ghsportsnews.com
