Historic moment in Kenya Rugby League as Kisumu Winam wins inaugural Championship

History was made in Kenya as the first ever Rugby League Championship organized by the Kenya Rugby League Federation came to an end on 3rd April 2022.

Kisumu Winam were crowned the champions after defeating Rift Valley Ruffians in the grand final with a 34-20 score at the Impala Stadium, Nairobi.

It was a 6-team regional league tournament played on a round robin basis.

The teams which participated included Rhynos RC, Administration Police Rugby club, Kitengela sharks, Wolves XIII, Kisumu Winam and Rift Valley Ruffians.

Rift Valley Ruffians defeated Kitengela Sharks who were top of the table throughout the competition.

Being the youngest clubs in the championship, both were established 3 months ago.

Kisumu Winam defeated Wolves XIII who were ranked third on table in the semi finals to secure their spot in the Finals.

Kitengela Sharks and Wolves XIII both fought hard for the 3rd position but the sharks were too strong for the wolves as the defeated them with a 36-18 score. 

The Grand Final had Kisumu Winam and R.V Ruffians competing for the trophy.

K. Winam dominated in both halves of the game and they ended winning the match.

Philemon Olmang of K. Winam was named the man of the match at the end of day.

The games were refereed by MEA regional MO delegates attending the Technical course being held by KRLF.

3rd position game was refereed by Marshall Nortey (Ghana) and Kamdem Brice (Cameroon), taking each half, Touch Judge -  Brian Odiwuory (Kenya), Esther Nyambura (Kenya), Ingoal Touch Judges - Sarah Brendah (Kenya), Nuhu Ibrahim (Nigeria). 

Grand Final referees were Warren Pretorius (South Africa) , Touch Judge -Andrew Pilkington (Spain) , Kamdem Brice (Cameroon), Ingoal Touch Judges - Pascal Inglesis (DR Congo) and Danish Ndinya (Kenya)

Quicks Nyakwakwa (President - Kenya Rugby League Federation) shared his thought

"The finals of our first ever league after 5 months of competition, with new clubs from different places in Kenya, is a great achievement for Kenya Rugby League Federation and our partners. We are now ready for international test matches vs other countries in next few months , as we develop and progress to high performance class."