2022 MEA Rugby League Championship Roundups

1. Cameroon played with 12 players

Due to problems with flights, the people who had missed their flights a week prior were given the first seat. And the price had increased dramatically by the time Cameroon booked the flight and they didn't have enough funds. This resulted in 9 players arriving a day before the game and 3 players arriving the next day, 30mins to kick off.

2. Kenya's debut in the MEA RL Championship

Kenya made their debut in the Middle East-Africa Rugby League Championship. They were recently granted observer status by the International Rugby League. Kenya took the 3rd position in the tournament

3. Nigeria's back to back win

Nigeria emerged winners of the Middle East-Africa Rugby League Championship which took place in Ghana from 27th Sept - 2nd October. Nigeria hosted and won the tournament in 2019.

4. Bless scores first try of the tournament

John Bless Mensah, a player of the Leopards of Ghana scored the first try of the tournament in their match against Kenya. Ghana defeated Kenya by 26 - 6.



5. Carol Manga comes out of retirement to represent



Carol Manga, General Manager of Cameroon Rugby League represented his country during the tournament. He was the captain of the Indomitable Lions during the tournament. Carol is a record holder. He is the first player in history to Captain his nation's team in Rugby 15s, Rugby 7s and Rugby League 13s



6. Head Coach Khalil Njoya turn player-coach



Cameroon Head Coach, Khalil Njoya played for his country in the MEA Rugby League Championship. Khalil hasn't been playing actively for about 4 years now. His professional career ended 10 years ago with London Broncos.



7. Rachel Ankomah becomes Team Manager of Cameroon



Due to her vast experience within the role and previous engagement with Cameroon during the African Queens Tournament, Founder of Accra Majestics, Rachel Ankomah was chosen by Cameroon as their Team Manager for the Indomitable Lions during the MEA Rugby League Championship.



8. Referee replaced after first half



The referee for the match between Cameroon and Kenya was replaced after first half. This decision was made after several complaints from the players especially the Cameroon team on the repeated mistakes and lack of understanding of the rules from the referee. According to sources.



9. Coaching and Match Official Course organized

A coaching course and match officials course featuring representatives from the various countries who participated in the MEA Rugby League Championship was organized on 29th September & 30th September. Representatives from Cote D'Ivoire Carine and George were also present. The theory aspect was covered on the first day and practicals on the second day

10. Ghana's first time hosting MEA RL Championship
MEA Rugby League Championship 22 was the first of it's kind in Ghana. Ghana won the bid to host the tournament in January. The tournament took place at the Mensah Sarbah field.

11. Ghana & Nigeria Qualify for MEA RL Cup
Ghana and Nigeria cemented their spot as 2 of the 4 teams taking part in the MEA cup along with full members South Africa and Lebanon by earning the 2 top spots in the MEA RL Championship.

12. 12 Cameroonians fight for glory against Defending Champions, Nigeria
Cameroon drew first blood by scoring a penalty, and held on to that lead while keeping Nigeria scoreless for half an hour, until fatigue kicked in. Defending Champions, Nigeria along with the six professional players in their midst struggled against 12-man Cameroon but ended up defeating them 36 - 2.