The Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) launched the 2025 rugby season in style with the Palapye 7s pre-season tournament, delivering an electrifying atmosphere as teams battled for supremacy in both the men’s and women’s divisions last weekend.
“As the first games of the season (pre-season matches), the turnout was impressive,” stated Elijah Kokoro, the Vice President Technical from BRU.
Within the tournament, the men’s division witnessed fierce competition, culminating in a nail-biting final where the experienced Gaborone Hogs edged out BIUST with a narrow 15-14 victory. A total of eight teams, split into two groups, vied for the top spot, with the winners of each group progressing directly to the final.
In the women’s division, four teams faced off in a round-robin format. BDF 1 emerged victorious, followed by Hogs, BIUST, and BDF 2 in the final rankings. The tournament provided an early glimpse into the competitive landscape for the upcoming season, setting the stage for an exciting year of rugby in Botswana.
Unlike previous seasons that traditionally opened with the 15s format, this year’s pre-season began with 7s rugby to align with major international competitions, including the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth qualifiers, the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic qualifiers.
“This format sets a strong foundation for the year ahead,” explained Kokoro, “We also wanted to provide young talent with an early opportunity to showcase their skills and prepare for the challenges ahead.”
The Palapye 7s was just the beginning, with more 7s action set to return after the conclusion of the 15s league in early August.
The tournament highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement among the competing teams. While some displayed solid preparation and resilience, others exposed gaps that need to be addressed as the season progresses. “The competition was promising, with teams showing enthusiasm and potential,” Kokoro noted.
With player safety a top priority, BRU ensured the tournament adhered to standard rugby competition protocols. A team of match officials oversaw officiating, while two qualified rugby first aiders managed the outsourced medical standby unit. “Fortunately, there were no major injuries reported,” Kokoro confirmed. Additionally, BRU utilized a club development grant from the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) to support teams with travel and meals.
Several teams and individuals stood out during the tournament. BIUST’s men’s team put on an exceptional display in the final, signaling the rise of young talent with national team aspirations. The BDF women’s team also impressed, showcasing the impact of recent recruitment efforts.
However, the most exciting revelation was the emergence of young talent from Francistown, with two teams demonstrating remarkable potential. “The future of rugby is thriving in Francistown,” Kokoro observed, highlighting the city’s growing contribution to the sport’s development in Botswana.
With the Palapye 7s setting the benchmark for the year, the next leg of the pre-season 7s is scheduled for April 5, 2025, in Gaborone. BRU is working to expand women’s participation by including teams from Shakawe and the University of Botswana, which were unable to compete in Palapye.
“Our Union remains dedicated to growing women’s rugby through initiatives like Get Into Rugby, T1 Rugby, and regular mini-tournaments for our Re Ba Bona rugby centres nationwide,” Kokoro said.
Beyond serving as a thrilling curtain-raiser to the season, the Palapye 7s played a critical role in talent identification. The tournament provided a platform for young players to showcase their skills, influencing national team selections and youth development programs. “A major objective was to evaluate the growth of the game and assess the increasing participation of young players,” Kokoro concluded.
With the season now underway, Botswana rugby fans can look forward to a dynamic and competitive year as the nation’s rugby stars continue to rise.
