DAR ES SALAAM: THE Dar Leopards have successfully hosted its Annual Touch Rugby Tournament 2026, bringing together players, supporters, sponsors and spectators from across Tanzania and East Africa for a memorable day of rugby, community spirit and competition.
The recently concluded tournament brought together 19 teams from across the region, with participants travelling from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Tanga and Iringa, while three visiting teams made the journey from Nairobi, Kenya.
The event once again demonstrated the growing popularity of touch rugby in the region and highlighted the strong friendships and connections that continue to develop through the sport.
The tournament offered much more than rugby, creating a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere for all who attended.
Spectators enjoyed a wide variety of food and refreshments provided by local vendors, while children took part in dedicated activities and visitors also enjoyed beach volleyball and a lively social environment throughout the day.
The standard of rugby on display was exceptional.
Following the morning group-stage matches, teams advanced into either the Trophy or Plate competitions, with quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals taking place throughout the afternoon.
The Plate Competition was won by Tanga Titans, who produced a series of impressive performances to secure the title and conclude their campaign on a high note.
The Trophy Competition culminated in a thrilling final between defending champions, Karen Crusaders and the impressive Hurricanes.
The match showcased the very best of touch rugby, with both teams’ displaying skill, determination and teamwork throughout a closely contested encounter.
Neither side could be separated at full time, with the score locked at 2-2.
The final then moved into extra time, where the Hurricanes held their nerve and scored the decisive try to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory and claim the 2026 tournament title.
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Dar Leopards Rugby Club Chair, Victoria Beach expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the event.
She thanked all participating teams, players, referees, volunteers, spectators and vendors whose enthusiasm, commitment and support helped make the tournament another outstanding occasion.
Victoria also acknowledged the generous support of the tournament sponsors include Roadgrip served as the Gold Sponsor, while Airswift Workforce Solutions and Baker & Sons Safari Co. supported the event as Silver Sponsors.
Bronze Sponsors included OLEA Insurance, Reveurse, The Slow Leopard Bar & Hostel, AMEL Asset Financing Solutions, Meta, Steinweg and Zanbluu Beach Hotel.
She noted that the continued support of sponsors plays a vital role in growing rugby in Tanzania and creating opportunities for players from a wide range of backgrounds to participate in the sport.
“Funds raised through the tournament will contribute to the ongoing development of rugby in Tanzania. The proceeds will support young Tanzanian players through the Dar Leopards Development Programme and help advance long-term projects aimed at improving access to quality sporting facilities across the country,” she said.
Victoria concluded by thanking everyone who attended and supported the event, saying that the club hoped participants and spectators enjoyed the day as much as the organisers did, and look forward to welcoming everyone back for next year’s tournament.
With another successful edition of the tournament concluded, Victoria said attention now shifts to the next major touch rugby event on the calendar, with teams set to travel to Iringa in September for another exciting weekend of rugby, friendship and competition.
The success of the 2026 Dar Leopards Roadgrip Annual Touch Rugby Tournament once again demonstrated the strength and growth of the touch rugby community in East Africa and reinforced the Dar Leopards Rugby Club’s commitment to developing the sport throughout the region.