Barewa RFC and AJ Sharks have emerged as the big winners of the Atlantic Rugby 7s following an action-packed tournament in Lagos. The event, held at Rugby School Nigeria, brought together some of the finest talents in the country for a high-stakes display of skill and athleticism.
In the men’s final, Barewa RFC lived up to their reputation by delivering a masterclass in tactical rugby. They swept aside Cowrie RFC with a convincing 19–0 victory, a scoreline that reflected their total grip on the match. Throughout the encounter, Barewa showed remarkable discipline in defense and clinical efficiency whenever an opening appeared in the Cowrie backline.
The women’s final offered a much closer contest, with AJ Sharks digging deep to secure a 7–0 win over Edo Queens. It was a game of fine margins where every tackle mattered, but AJ Sharks’ ability to remain organized under pressure ultimately made the difference. Their solitary try was enough to see them crowned champions in a match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation sees this competition as more than just a trophy hunt. Azeez Ladipo, the Federation’s General Manager, explained that the tournament serves as a vital tool for revitalizing domestic rugby and giving players the consistent game time they need to stay sharp. It also provides a golden opportunity for scouts to spot fresh talent for future national team duties.
The tournament’s reach was truly national, featuring eleven teams traveling from Kano, Rivers, Edo, Ogun, and Lagos. This diversity added a unique flavor to the matches, proving that the appetite for rugby is growing across various regions of the country. For many observers, the success of the Atlantic Rugby 7s is a clear sign that the future of Nigerian rugby is looking brighter than ever.
