PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – November 13, 2023 – The South African Rugby League (SARL) proudly announces the resounding success of the two-test match series between the South African Rhinos and the Kenyan Eagles, held on November 8 at the Naka Bulls Stadium and November 11 at the Grizzlies Stadium. The Rhinos emerged victorious in both matches, marking a historic achievement on home soil.
After a five-year hiatus from playing on South African turf, the Rhinos returned with an extraordinary display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship. The matches were a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Rhinos team, showcasing their prowess and resilience in front of their home crowd.
John Mbai and his team, the Kenyan Eagles, graciously accepted the challenge and provided formidable competition throughout the series. SARLSA extends heartfelt gratitude to the Kenyan Eagles for their visit to South Africa, fostering international camaraderie and elevating the standard of rugby league on the continent.
President of the South African Rugby League, Dr Frans Erasmus, expressed his appreciation, saying, "We are thrilled to have hosted the Kenyan Eagles for this historic series. The Rhinos' victories are a testament to the growth and development of rugby league in South Africa. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to John Mbai and his team for their sportsmanship and dedication on the field."
This series marks a milestone for the South African Rhinos, as they have not played on home soil since 2018. The back-to-back victories against the Kenyan Eagles hold special significance, possibly marking the first-ever international test match wins for the Rhinos in South Africa.
Dr Erasmus added, "I may be mistaken, but to the best of my knowledge, the Rhinos have never won any international test matches on South African soil. This achievement is a proud moment for our team and rugby league enthusiasts across the country."
SARLSA congratulates the Kenyan Eagles on their outstanding performance and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors. The spirit of competition displayed during these test matches further strengthens the bonds between rugby league communities in South Africa and Kenya.
As the series concludes, SARLSA looks forward to the opportunity of future encounters with the Kenyan Eagles, hoping for more thrilling matches that showcase the talent and sportsmanship of both nations. The South African Rugby League community eagerly anticipates the next chapter in international rugby league competitions.
After a five-year hiatus from playing on South African turf, the Rhinos returned with an extraordinary display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship. The matches were a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Rhinos team, showcasing their prowess and resilience in front of their home crowd.
John Mbai and his team, the Kenyan Eagles, graciously accepted the challenge and provided formidable competition throughout the series. SARLSA extends heartfelt gratitude to the Kenyan Eagles for their visit to South Africa, fostering international camaraderie and elevating the standard of rugby league on the continent.
President of the South African Rugby League, Dr Frans Erasmus, expressed his appreciation, saying, "We are thrilled to have hosted the Kenyan Eagles for this historic series. The Rhinos' victories are a testament to the growth and development of rugby league in South Africa. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to John Mbai and his team for their sportsmanship and dedication on the field."
This series marks a milestone for the South African Rhinos, as they have not played on home soil since 2018. The back-to-back victories against the Kenyan Eagles hold special significance, possibly marking the first-ever international test match wins for the Rhinos in South Africa.
Dr Erasmus added, "I may be mistaken, but to the best of my knowledge, the Rhinos have never won any international test matches on South African soil. This achievement is a proud moment for our team and rugby league enthusiasts across the country."
SARLSA congratulates the Kenyan Eagles on their outstanding performance and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors. The spirit of competition displayed during these test matches further strengthens the bonds between rugby league communities in South Africa and Kenya.
As the series concludes, SARLSA looks forward to the opportunity of future encounters with the Kenyan Eagles, hoping for more thrilling matches that showcase the talent and sportsmanship of both nations. The South African Rugby League community eagerly anticipates the next chapter in international rugby league competitions.
