Young rugby players in action during the Rivers State Inter-Local Government Rugby Sevens Tournament featuring teams from Akuku-Toru, PHALGA, Ogu-Bolo and Opobo-Nkoro.
The Rivers State Inter-Local Government Rugby Sevens Tournament delivered exciting grassroots rugby action over the weekend, with Akuku-Toru, Opobo-Nkoro and Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, PHALGA, producing standout performances in the Under-15 and Under-19 categories.
Organised by the Rivers State Rugby Association in partnership with grassroots sports stakeholders, the competition featured teams from Ogu-Bolo, Akuku-Toru, PHALGA and Opobo-Nkoro, reflecting the growing popularity of rugby across local communities in Rivers State.
The tournament attracted sports officials, coaches and supporters, including a representative of the Rivers State Director of Sports, Mr. Samuel John Bull, and Chairman of the Akuku-Toru Sports Committee, Coach Edward Briggs.
Fans witnessed high-energy performances as young players displayed speed, tactical awareness and physical strength through impressive tackles, tries and disciplined teamwork.
Akuku-Toru Make Early Impact
Akuku-Toru announced themselves as strong contenders after their Under-15 boys secured a narrow 10–5 victory over Ogu-Bolo in the opening fixture of the tournament.
The result set the tone for a highly competitive event and boosted confidence within the Akuku-Toru camp.
In the Under-19 girls’ category, PHALGA produced a disciplined display to defeat Akuku-Toru 10–0, combining organised defending with effective finishing.
Opobo-Nkoro Dominate Under-19 Boys’ Final
The finals produced some of the tournament’s most entertaining moments, with Opobo-Nkoro delivering a commanding performance in the Under-19 boys’ final.
They defeated PHALGA 30–5 in a one-sided contest that showcased their pace, attacking quality and tactical discipline.
Meanwhile, Akuku-Toru completed a dominant outing in the Under-15 girls’ final with a convincing 15–0 victory over Ogu-Bolo.
The win sealed an impressive campaign for Akuku-Toru, who emerged as one of the tournament’s most successful teams.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Grassroots Sports
Speaking after the tournament, Mr. Samuel John Bull commended the young athletes for their discipline and determination throughout the competition.
He urged participants to remain focused on both sports and education, stressing the importance of balancing academics with athletic development.
“Sports can create opportunities for young people, but education remains equally important for their future,” he said.
Bull also reaffirmed the commitment of the Rivers State Government to grassroots sports development, describing rugby as an important platform for youth empowerment and talent discovery.
As part of the support for participating teams, transportation assistance was provided to ensure athletes returned safely to their various local government areas.
Tournament Success
Convener of the tournament, Mathias David, expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Government for supporting rugby development initiatives.
“Sending a representative shows that rugby is recognised in Rivers State, and the transportation support for players is highly commendable,” he said.
He described the tournament as a major step forward for rugby development in the state and expressed optimism that the competition would become a regular feature in the sporting calendar.
Rugby Development
The tournament highlights growing efforts to strengthen rugby at the grassroots level by creating structured competitions for young athletes and increasing community participation in sports.
With strong performances from Akuku-Toru, Opobo-Nkoro and PHALGA, stakeholders believe rugby in Rivers State is steadily gaining momentum and creating new opportunities for emerging talents.
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