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This past weekend in Kigali, the 1000 Hills Rugby Rugby Club proudly hosted Whales Rugby Academy from Uganda for a memorable threeday exchange filled with sport, teamwork, and cultural connection. The visit marked a special moment of collaboration between the two clubs, showcasing the shared commitment to nurturing young talent and strengthening rugby development across East Africa.
The visiting team from Whales Rugby Academy arrived in Rwanda on Friday, October 3, 2025, composed of two teams boys and girls under 18 featuring 20 players, two coaches, and one referee. They were warmly welcomed by the 1000 Hills Rugby community and accommodated at a guest house in Kicukiro: Gatenga, where they spent two nights and three days. Their meals were served at a nearby restaurant, allowing the young athletes to experience the warmth and hospitality of Rwandan culture.
The visiting team from Whales Rugby Academy arrived in Rwanda on Friday, October 3, 2025, composed of two teams boys and girls under 18 featuring 20 players, two coaches, and one referee. They were warmly welcomed by the 1000 Hills Rugby community and accommodated at a guest house in Kicukiro: Gatenga, where they spent two nights and three days. Their meals were served at a nearby restaurant, allowing the young athletes to experience the warmth and hospitality of Rwandan culture.
Training and Preparation
Saturday, October 4, was scheduled for a joint training session between Whales Rugby Academy and 1000 Hills Rugby Juniors. However, due to delays in meal preparation that morning, the teams managed to train for only a short period from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
To ensure proper match readiness, the Whales coach requested an additional Captain’s Run session, which took place on Sunday morning from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the training grounds. The brief but focused session helped the visiting teams finetune their coordination before match day.
To ensure proper match readiness, the Whales coach requested an additional Captain’s Run session, which took place on Sunday morning from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the training grounds. The brief but focused session helped the visiting teams finetune their coordination before match day.
Match Day – Sunday, October 5, 2025
The much anticipated matches between Whales Rugby Academy and 1000 Hills Rugby Rugby Club were held on Sunday, showcasing determination, passion, and true sportsmanship from all players involved.
Match Officials and Staff
Staff:
• Gasengayire Jack – Head Coach, 1000 Hills Rugby Queens
• Rukundo Jackson – Head Coach, 1000 Hills Rugby U18
• Kayihura Johnson – Assistant Medic
• Stiven Titi – Assistant Coordinator
• Shaloom K. – Coordinator & Medic
Referees:
• Girls Game:
o Center Referee: Luck N. (Whales)
o Assistant Referees: Shaloom K. (1000 Hills Rugby), Stiven Titi (1000 Hills Rugby)
• Boys Game:
o Center Referee: Shaloom K. (1000 Hills Rugby)
o Assistant Referees: Luck N. (Whales), Stiven Titi (1000 Hills Rugby)
Match Officials and Staff
Staff:
• Gasengayire Jack – Head Coach, 1000 Hills Rugby Queens
• Rukundo Jackson – Head Coach, 1000 Hills Rugby U18
• Kayihura Johnson – Assistant Medic
• Stiven Titi – Assistant Coordinator
• Shaloom K. – Coordinator & Medic
Referees:
• Girls Game:
o Center Referee: Luck N. (Whales)
o Assistant Referees: Shaloom K. (1000 Hills Rugby), Stiven Titi (1000 Hills Rugby)
• Boys Game:
o Center Referee: Shaloom K. (1000 Hills Rugby)
o Assistant Referees: Luck N. (Whales), Stiven Titi (1000 Hills Rugby)
Match Results
Round One
• 1000 Hills Rugby Queens 36 – 0 Whales
• 1000 Hills Rugby U18 7 – 0 Whales U18
Round Two
• 1000 Hills Rugby Queens 48 – 10 Whales
• 1000 Hills Rugby U18 24 – 28 Whales U18
The games were thrilling from start to finish, with both sides demonstrating incredible teamwork and enthusiasm. The Whales U18 boys managed a narrow victory in the second round, while the 1000 Hills Rugby Queens delivered an outstanding performance in both of their matches, reflecting the growing strength of women’s rugby in Rwanda.
• 1000 Hills Rugby Queens 36 – 0 Whales
• 1000 Hills Rugby U18 7 – 0 Whales U18
Round Two
• 1000 Hills Rugby Queens 48 – 10 Whales
• 1000 Hills Rugby U18 24 – 28 Whales U18
The games were thrilling from start to finish, with both sides demonstrating incredible teamwork and enthusiasm. The Whales U18 boys managed a narrow victory in the second round, while the 1000 Hills Rugby Queens delivered an outstanding performance in both of their matches, reflecting the growing strength of women’s rugby in Rwanda.
Departure and Farewell
After an exciting weekend of rugby and cultural exchange, Whales Rugby Academy departed for Uganda on the evening of Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 9:00 PM via Volcano Company buses. The farewell was filled with smiles, photos, and mutual appreciation between the players, coaches, and staff.
The visit by Whales Rugby Academy was more than just a sporting event it was a celebration of friendship, teamwork, and youth empowerment. Both clubs expressed their desire to continue this partnership through future training exchanges, tournaments, and cultural activities that will keep inspiring young players across the region.
By bringing together youth from Rwanda and Uganda, the event reinforced the unifying power of sport teaching discipline, resilience, and respect while strengthening the bonds of East African rugby.
As the weekend came to a close, one message was clear: the future of rugby in the region is bright, driven by young athletes full of talent, passion, and dreams.
The visit by Whales Rugby Academy was more than just a sporting event it was a celebration of friendship, teamwork, and youth empowerment. Both clubs expressed their desire to continue this partnership through future training exchanges, tournaments, and cultural activities that will keep inspiring young players across the region.
By bringing together youth from Rwanda and Uganda, the event reinforced the unifying power of sport teaching discipline, resilience, and respect while strengthening the bonds of East African rugby.
As the weekend came to a close, one message was clear: the future of rugby in the region is bright, driven by young athletes full of talent, passion, and dreams.
Special Thanks
The 1000 Hills Rugby Club extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this exchange possible.
Special appreciation goes to:
• Whales Rugby Academy for their partnership and sportsmanship,
• The players, coaches, and referees for their dedication and fair play,
• 1000 Hills management and volunteers for their hard work and hospitality, and
• Supporters and parents who came out in numbers to cheer and motivate the young athletes.
Your collective effort made the weekend a true success one that celebrated not only rugby but also unity, friendship, and the shared dream of growing youth sport across East Africa.
Special appreciation goes to:
• Whales Rugby Academy for their partnership and sportsmanship,
• The players, coaches, and referees for their dedication and fair play,
• 1000 Hills management and volunteers for their hard work and hospitality, and
• Supporters and parents who came out in numbers to cheer and motivate the young athletes.
Your collective effort made the weekend a true success one that celebrated not only rugby but also unity, friendship, and the shared dream of growing youth sport across East Africa.