Dar Leopards defeat Arusha Rhinos in Clyde & Co rugby tie

Dar es Salaam. In an electrifying rugby spectacle at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), the Dar Leopards Rugby Football Club edged out their fierce rivals, Arusha Rhinos, in a tense 12–10 win.

The match was part of a vibrant rugby double-header proudly sponsored by Clyde & Co., the only international law firm with seven fully integrated offices across Africa.

The day kicked off with a fast-paced women’s 7s exhibition match featuring the Dar Cheetahs and Arusha Rhinos Women.

In a sign of the growing depth and enthusiasm in the women’s game, Arusha triumphed with three tries to one.

Salha, who delivered an inspired performance for the Rhinos, was named Player of the Match.

Formed just a year ago in 2024 by founder and captain Fatma el-Kindiy, the Dar Cheetahs have rapidly established themselves as a driving force in Tanzanian women’s rugby.

Their development has been made possible through the backing of the French Embassy in Tanzania and the commitment of coaches Charles Vanhuysse, Vasco Mworia, Juma Shabani, and Jerry Mbulule.

The women’s clash highlighted the rising popularity of rugby among local female athletes and the positive trajectory of the sport across genders.

Following the women’s match, attention turned to the main event  a much-anticipated 15-a-side rematch between Dar Leopards and Arusha Rhinos.

With Arusha having convincingly won their last meeting in 2024, anticipation was sky-high, and the Leopards were determined to reclaim their pride.

The Dar Leopards came out with intensity and precision, dominating early possession and turning it into points through two well-executed tries stemming from set pieces, one of which was converted.

Arusha Rhinos regrouped in the second half, scoring a converted try and a penalty to narrow the gap.

However, the Leopards held firm in the final minutes to clinch a dramatic 12–10 victory.

Dar Leopards’ Amani Rajabu stole the show with two tries and was rightfully awarded Player of the Match for his all-around brilliance and game-defining impact.

Speaking after the game, Dar Leopards RFC Chairperson Gustav Mphusu praised his team’s performance and resilience.

“It was a thrilling match and a proud moment for Dar Leopards. We had gone a long time without beating Arusha Rhinos, so this win means a lot to the club,” said Mphusu.

“I was particularly impressed by the age profile of our players — mostly between 20 and 24 years — which shows real growth and development in the game.”

Mphusu also pointed to the match as vital preparation for upcoming fixtures, particularly a major clash against Mombasa RFC in October.

The event drew a passionate crowd of supporters from both cities, many of whom stayed on to celebrate at The Slow Leopard — a popular rugby hotspot in Dar es Salaam.

Clyde & Co.’s sponsorship continues to be instrumental in driving the development of rugby in Tanzania, helping provide platforms for competition and exposure for local talent.

“Clyde & Co. is delighted to support the Dar es Salaam Leopards Rugby Club for the 2025/2026 season,” said Peter Kasanda, Chair of Clyde & Co. Africa.

Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to rugby and community-driven initiatives in Tanzania. We are proud to stand with DLRFC as they grow stronger each year.”

GardaWorld also played a critical role, providing medical support throughout the day with an on-site ambulance and trained paramedic, ensuring player safety across both matches.

Looking ahead, the Dar Leopards are gearing up for their Annual Touch Rugby Tournament on 13th September 2025 at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club, expected to draw teams from across Tanzania, Kenya, and Zambia.

The next major 15s fixture will take place on 11th October at UDSM, when the Leopards host Mombasa RFC — another exciting Clyde & Co.-backed clash on the Tanzanian rugby calendar.