The 2026 Genocide Memorial International 7s concluded on Saturday at IPRC Kicukiro Grounds, bringing together clubs from across the region in a tournament that continues to stand for remembrance, unity, and the enduring power of sport.
For 1000 Hills Rugby, it was a weekend that will live long in memory.
Drawn alongside Kigali Sharks and Burera Tigers in the pool stage, the Hills men wasted little time in showing their intent. An opening 26-7 victory over Kigali Sharks set the tone for the campaign, with tries from Shaloom, Carlos, Enock, and Prince reflecting the attacking rugby that would define the team's tournament.
Confidence only grew in the second pool match as 1000 Hills Rugby delivered a commanding 49-0 victory over Burera Tigers. Shaloom, Jimy, Prince, Diego, Fabien, and Nzitunga all crossed the whitewash as the team secured top spot in the pool and a place in the knockout stages.
The semi-final against Gitisi RFC presented a sterner challenge, but 1000 Hills once again rose to the occasion. A disciplined display and standout performances from Prince, Roger, Fabien, and Enock inspired a 31-7 victory and booked a place in the championship match.
Awaiting them in the final were Rams Rugby Club, who had earned their spot after overcoming Lion de Fer in the other semi-final.
For 1000 Hills Rugby, it was a weekend that will live long in memory.
Drawn alongside Kigali Sharks and Burera Tigers in the pool stage, the Hills men wasted little time in showing their intent. An opening 26-7 victory over Kigali Sharks set the tone for the campaign, with tries from Shaloom, Carlos, Enock, and Prince reflecting the attacking rugby that would define the team's tournament.
Confidence only grew in the second pool match as 1000 Hills Rugby delivered a commanding 49-0 victory over Burera Tigers. Shaloom, Jimy, Prince, Diego, Fabien, and Nzitunga all crossed the whitewash as the team secured top spot in the pool and a place in the knockout stages.
The semi-final against Gitisi RFC presented a sterner challenge, but 1000 Hills once again rose to the occasion. A disciplined display and standout performances from Prince, Roger, Fabien, and Enock inspired a 31-7 victory and booked a place in the championship match.
Awaiting them in the final were Rams Rugby Club, who had earned their spot after overcoming Lion de Fer in the other semi-final.
Eight years had passed since 1000 Hills Rugby last lifted the Genocide Memorial Tournament trophy. The weight of expectation was evident, but so too was the determination of a side that had grown together through seasons of hard work, setbacks, and belief.
In a fiercely contested final, 1000 Hills controlled the key moments of the match, showing composure under pressure and discipline in defence. When the final whistle sounded, a 14-7 victory over Rams confirmed what players, coaches, supporters, and partners had long believed possible: 1000 Hills Rugby were champions once again.
Individual honours followed collective success as Kuneshanukwayo Shaloom was named the Men's Most Valuable Player after a series of outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
In a fiercely contested final, 1000 Hills controlled the key moments of the match, showing composure under pressure and discipline in defence. When the final whistle sounded, a 14-7 victory over Rams confirmed what players, coaches, supporters, and partners had long believed possible: 1000 Hills Rugby were champions once again.
Individual honours followed collective success as Kuneshanukwayo Shaloom was named the Men's Most Valuable Player after a series of outstanding performances throughout the tournament.
In the women's competition, 1000 Hills Rugby Queens once again demonstrated resilience and quality on their way to the final, eventually finishing as runners-up after facing Uganda's EWS. Their campaign continues to inspire the next generation of girls and young women to embrace rugby and leadership both on and off the field.
Beyond the trophies and medals, the Genocide Memorial Tournament remains a reminder of rugby's unique ability to bring people together. Through sport, communities connect, young people find opportunities, and values such as respect, teamwork, and resilience continue to thrive.
Beyond the trophies and medals, the Genocide Memorial Tournament remains a reminder of rugby's unique ability to bring people together. Through sport, communities connect, young people find opportunities, and values such as respect, teamwork, and resilience continue to thrive.
These achievements would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors and partners. We extend our sincere appreciation to Power Resources International and all those who continue to believe in the mission of 1000 Hills Rugby. Your support is helping create pathways for young athletes in Rwanda and strengthening the future of the game.
As the celebrations continue, this victory belongs not only to those who wore the jersey, but to the entire 1000 Hills Rugby family and the wider community that stands behind it.
The journey continues.
As the celebrations continue, this victory belongs not only to those who wore the jersey, but to the entire 1000 Hills Rugby family and the wider community that stands behind it.
The journey continues.