Friday Night Footy brought the curtain down on the 2026 rugby league season in spectacular fashion, with Bulls crowned Men’s 13s Championship winners and Old Guard claiming the overall 2026 Diva Series title.
BULLS OVERPOWER DRAGONS TO CLAIM MEN’S TITLE
Bulls produced a commanding second-half performance to defeat Dragons 24–10 and lift the 2026 Men’s 13s Championship trophy.
Dragons opened the scoring in the 27th minute through Rainn Sheriff Suleiman, but Bulls responded strongly after the break.
Leslie Boadu scored in the 43rd minute before Richard Browne Asare converted. Asare added another try and conversion in the 46th and 47th minutes respectively.
Hakeem Inusah Sugri extended the lead in the 50th minute, with Asare converting again. The Bulls’ star kicker then completed his brace in the 58th minute and added another conversion to make it 24–4.
Dragons responded through Prince Chris Ebo Da-Gama Idan Odum in the 63rd minute, who also converted, but Bulls held on for a deserved 24–10 victory.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
The championship recognised outstanding performances throughout the season:
– Best Coach: Nasiru Aminu (Bulls)
– Best Kicker: Richard Browne Asare (Bulls) and Adams Marsuu (Accra Panthers)
– Highest Try Scorer: Richard Browne Asare (Bulls)
OLD GUARD WIN 2026 DIVA SERIES
Old Guard were crowned overall champions of the 2026 Diva Series after finishing the five-month competition with 46 points.
The November edition featured Old Guard, La PRESEC, Next Gen and Accra Girls SHS. Old Guard finished first in the monthly standings, followed by La PRESEC, Next Gen and Accra Girls.
The final overall standings were:
1. Old Guard – 46 points
2. La PRESEC – 40 points
3. Next Gen – 34 points
4. Accra Girls – 26 points
The July–November series provided a consistent competitive platform for girls to develop their rugby league skills and showcase their talents.
CHAMPIONS CELEBRATED
At the closing ceremony, Bulls received gold medals, jerseys and cash prizes, while Dragons received silver medals and cash prizes.
Bulls were coached by Nasiru Aminu, while William Ekow Awoonor led Dragons. Andy Annang officiated the men’s final, assisted by touch judges Adams Marsuu and Jacqueline Ansah.
The successful delivery of the 2026 Diva Series was supported by P&R Reman Ghana, Future Stars, Decathlon, Star Oil, Hale Pharmacy and Didi Yie.
The season finale celebrated another important year for rugby league in Ghana, highlighting the growth of the men’s competition and the increasing opportunities for girls and women to participate in the sport.
Two competitions. Two champions. One growing rugby league family.
