The 2024 President’s Cup, Ghana’s premier rugby league event, captivated fans on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium.
Players from the Greater Accra, Central, and Ashanti Regions showcased their exceptional talent and determination, marking another milestone in the sport’s growing popularity in the country.
This year’s tournament paid tribute to Mrs. Juliana Storey, the Rugby League Federation Ghana’s (RLFG) first female president. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving the sport’s development, and her efforts to elevate rugby league were a central theme of the event.
Now in its fourth edition, the President’s Cup, first held in 2021, has grown into a dynamic competition featuring men’s, women’s, and boys’ teams. The 2024 edition saw participation from over 100 players, representing communities as well as senior and junior high schools, reflecting the sport’s robust grassroots engagement.
U19 Boys: National Team Shows Their Strength
The action began with the U19 Boys’ National Team taking on the President’s Team, a selection of young talents from schools like Awutu Winton SHS, Pentecost SHS, Aduman SHS, St. Michael SHS, and Akrofrom JHS. The National Team delivered a dominant performance, winning 26-6.
By halftime, the National Team had established a 16-0 lead with three tries and two conversions. The President’s Team fought back in the second half, scoring a try and a conversion, but two more tries and a conversion from the National Team sealed their victory.
Women’s Division: National Team Prevails
In the women’s division, the National Team extended their winning streak with a 22-12 triumph over the President’s Team. The National Team took control early, scoring two tries and converting one to lead 10-0 at halftime.
Both teams traded three tries in the second half, but missed conversions left the half tied at 12-12. The National Team’s strong first-half showing ensured their overall victory.
Men’s Division: President’s Team Breaks National Team’s Streak
The men’s clash delivered the day’s most dramatic moment as the President’s Team edged the National Team 20-18, handing them their first loss in three years.
In the first half, the President’s Team led 14-10, scoring three tries and converting one. The National Team countered with two tries and a conversion.
The second half saw the National Team rally to an 18-14 lead with two tries, but Jonathan Adotey’s late try and Darryl Amoatey’s crucial conversion secured a thrilling win for the President’s Team.
Celebrating Innovation and Growth
The 2024 President’s Cup also highlighted the RLFG’s commitment to innovation, with attendees engaging in the esports version of rugby league.
The event was graced by Keith McMahon, Deputy UK High Commissioner, who praised the Federation’s efforts to nurture talent and promote inclusivity in the sport.
As the day concluded, the President’s Cup 2024 stood as a testament to rugby league’s steady growth in Ghana. With visionary leadership from Mrs. Juliana Storey, the sport’s future looks brighter than ever, inspiring players and fans alike to aim for greater heights.
