2026 Rivers Inter-LGA Youth Rugby 7s: Akuku-Toru, Opobo-Nkoro, PHALGA shine in grassroots tournament

Posted : 18 May 2026

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen grassroots rugby development, the Rivers State Rugby Association staged an exciting Under-15 and Under-19 Inter-Local Government Rugby Sevens Tournament for boys and girls, featuring teams from four local government areas across the state.

The competition featured teams from Ogu-Bolo, Akuku-Toru, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area (PHALGA), and Opobo-Nkoro, with young athletes thrilling spectators through displays of skill, determination, and athleticism.

The event was attended by a representative of the Rivers State Director of Sports, Samuel John Bull, alongside the Chairman of the Akuku-Toru Sports Committee, Coach Edward Briggs.

Akuku-Toru RFC set the tone early in the competition after edging Ogu-Bolo RFC 10-5 in the Under-15 boys’ opening match.

In the Under-19 girls’ category, PHALGA RFC delivered a commanding performance to defeat Akuku-Toru RFC 10-0.

The Under-19 boys’ final produced one of the standout performances of the tournament as Opobo-Nkoro RFC overwhelmed PHALGA RFC 30-5 to emerge champions.

Akuku-Toru RFC also completed a double over Ogu-Bolo in the Under-15 girls’ final, recording a dominant 15-0 victory.

Speaking after the tournament, Samuel John Bull encouraged the young players to remain focused and disciplined, describing rugby as a pathway to success and youth empowerment.

He also advised the participants to take their education seriously, stressing that combining academics with sports would help shape them into future stars.

To support the participating teams, Bull provided transportation assistance to ensure their safe return to their respective local government areas.

He further assured organisers and stakeholders of the Rivers State Government’s continued support for rugby, describing the sport as a viable platform for youth development and an alternative avenue for sporting success beyond football.

Convener of the tournament, Coach Mathias David, expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Government for supporting the initiative and recognising the contributions of rugby stakeholders in the state.

"I cannot thank the Director of Sports enough. Sending a representative shows that rugby is recognised in Rivers State, and providing transportation support for the players is highly commendable," he said.

"I am delighted that this competition has become a reality, and we hope to build on this momentum to make it a major feature of rugby development activities in Rivers State."

The successful hosting of the tournament highlights the vast potential of youth rugby across Rivers State when given the right platform and administrative support. By discovering exceptional talents in local government areas like Opobo-Nkoro and Akuku-Toru, the state is steadily building a solid foundation for the sport's future. Ongoing collaboration between organizers and government officials remains vital to sustaining this growth and creating more competitive opportunities for young athletes.

2026 Rivers Inter-LGA Youth Rugby 7s: Akuku-Toru, Opobo-Nkoro, PHALGA shine in grassroots tournament

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