Dar Leopards and Roadgrip host Rugby Festival return

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIAN rugby community expects hot action this weekend as the Dar Leopards & Roadgrip’s Annual Touch Rugby Tournament returns on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Ufundi Stadium in Mikocheni.

Widely regarded as the city’s most anticipated social rugby events, the tournament will bring together players, supporters, families and corporate partners for a full day of touch rugby, entertainment and community celebration.

Hosted by Dar Leopards Rugby Club, the annual tournament continues to play a key role in promoting rugby in Tanzania by creating a friendly and inclusive environment where both experienced players and newcomers can enjoy the sport.

Dar Leopards Rugby Club Chairperson, Victoria Beach, said preparations have been finalised for the festival.

She noted that the event also serves as a platform for strengthening teamwork, fitness, sportsmanship and the wider rugby culture across the country.

“This year’s edition is expected to attract 20 teams from across East Africa,” she said.

Victoria said strong competition is expected from teams representing Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Nairobi, Iringa and Arusha, all of whom will be battling for top honours.

Food and beverage vendors, live music, a dedicated children’s zone and a family-friendly setting await participants.

The chairperson added that the celebrations will begin with a Friday night social gathering at The Slow Leopard at Chole Road, followed by the tournament on Saturday and an official after-party, making it a complete rugby festival both on and off the pitch.

Victoria said Roadgrip leads this year’s sponsorship as Gold Sponsor and the biggest one they have had by far, while Airswift workforce solutions and Baker & Sons Safari Company have come on board as Silver Sponsors.

This year’s bronze sponsors are: “OLEA Insurance Brokers, The Slow Leopard bar & hostel, Reveurse, C.Steinweg Group, ZanBluu beach hotel, AMEL asset finance solutions and Meta Plant Tanzania.

“Generous additional support is also being provided by Painted Dog Craft Gin, GardaWorld and Splendid Cleaning & Events,” she said.

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Victoria expressed appreciation to sponsors, players and supporters for their continued commitment to the growth of rugby in Tanzania.

“Every year, we see rugby grow stronger, and we are grateful to our sponsors and supporters who continue to stand with the club and help us make this event bigger and better,” said Victoria.