1000 Hills Rugby Queens Make History as the King's Battle for Bronze at the Genocide Memorial 7s

The lights shone bright on Rwandan rugby's biggest stage as the 2025 Genocide Memorial Rugby 7s Tournament delivered unforgettable moments none more so than the inspiring debut triumph of the 1000 Hills Rugby Queens, who claimed their first-ever Women's 1st Division crown in sensational style.
For the men, it was a tournament of grit and fight, with 1000 Hills Rugby Men's Team A finishing strongly in third after a narrow semi-final loss to fierce rivals Lions de Fer.

It was always going to be historic but even the boldest dreams of the 1000 Hills Rugby Queens could not have predicted such dominance in their first appearance in the Women’s top flight.
With crisp passing, confident offloads, and unstoppable line breaks, the Queens swept through the pool stages, dispatching Burera Tigers RFC 21-07 and thrashing Rwamagana Hippos RFC 36-00.
The semi-final was a clinic in patience and power as they shut out Kamonyi Panthers RFC 34-00, setting the stage for a grand final against the experienced Gitisi TSS Women.
In the final, it was all 1000 Hills. With pace on the wings and ruthless precision in the midfield, the Queens cruised to a 40-07 victory lifting their maiden title and sending a clear message: the future of women’s rugby in Rwanda has arrived.

For 1000 Hills Rugby Men’s Team A, the tournament proved a test of character and depth. Strong wins over UR Grizzlies (26-00) and Gitisi TSS (10-07) powered them into the semi-finals, where they faced a familiar foe Lions de Fer RFC.
In a semi-final clash filled with tension and hard collisions, 1000 Hills fell just short in a tight 12-15 battle, edged out by the eventual champions. But the team recovered to claim a well-earned third place, proving their standing as one of Rwanda’s rugby elite.

Women’s Results
Preliminary Round:
✅ 1000 Hills 21-07 Burera Tigers
✅ 1000 Hills 36-00 Rwamagana Hippos
Semi-Final:
✅ 1000 Hills 34-00 Kamonyi Panthers
Final:
🏆 1000 Hills 40-07 Gitisi TSS
🥇 Champions: 1000 Hills Rugby Queens

Preliminary Round:
❌ 1000 Hills B 00-21 Rams RFC
✅ 1000 Hills A 26-00 UR Grizzlies
❌ 1000 Hills B 12-19 Kigezi RFC
✅ 1000 Hills A 10-07 Gitisi TSS
Semi-Final:
❌ 1000 Hills A 12-15 Lions de Fer
🥇 Champions: Lions de Fer RFC
🥈 Second Place: Rams RFC
🥉 Third Place: 1000 Hills Rugby A

This year’s tournament also marked the first-ever Genocide Memorial 7s hosted at the revamped Amahoro National Stadium an international-class facility befitting the occasion.
Players and fans alike felt the energy of this modern rugby theatre, signaling Rwanda’s readiness for future continental and global rugby events.

1000 Hills Rugby extends heartfelt thanks to our players, coaching staff, volunteers, and partners especially Power Resources International for powering this journey.
Together, we build dreams, shape futures, and carry the torch of rugby excellence for Rwanda and beyond.
________________________________________
📸 See the moments, relive the glory:
🔗 www.1000hillsrugby.rw
📱 @1000hillsrugby (X, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn)