RK Zagreb clinch first Croatian Rugby 7s Championship tournament

(Photo: Berislav Rožman)

ZAGREB, 5 May 2025 – An exciting weekend of rugby unfolded at the Rugby Club Zagreb grounds in Rudeš, where the opening tournament of the Croatian Rugby 7s Championship took place.

The home team, RK Zagreb, delivered a commanding performance to secure the first title of the season.

Nicknamed the “Lions from Rudeš”, Zagreb impressed with quick, structured play throughout the tournament.

They recorded confident victories against Sinj, Lokomotiva, and traditional powerhouse Nada Split, thrilling a well-attended crowd at the Rudeš Rugby Centre.

Group A kicked off with a nail-biting clash between HARK Mladost and Nada, with the Split side narrowly edging a 22–21 win. Makarska Rivijera then overcame Mladost before falling to Nada in a tightly contested match.

(Photo: Berislav Rožman)

With all three teams finishing with one win and one loss, it came down to point difference — Mladost unfortunately missed out on a semi-final spot.

In Group B, Zagreb started slowly against Sinj but recovered to win convincingly. Lokomotiva, competing as second-division underdogs, struggled against more experienced sides, leading to Zagreb and Sinj progressing to the semi-finals.

The semi-final between Makarska and Sinj was tense, with moments of heated action. Makarska capitalised on their chances and secured a place in the final. Meanwhile, Zagreb proved too strong for Nada in their semi-final, winning 35–5 in a dominant display.

Last year’s champions Makarska Rivijera, boosted by new signings from England, were unable to match Zagreb in the final.

The hosts displayed superiority across all areas of the game, sealing a convincing 40–5 victory. Makarska managed a late consolation try, but by then, Zagreb’s win was all but assured.

The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among players and supporters, especially given the heartbreak of last season. Zagreb’s strong preparation and team cohesion paid off handsomely.

(Photo: Berislav Rožman)

The second leg of the Croatian Rugby 7s Championship will take place on 24 May in Split, where the fight for the national title continues.

Final standings:

1. RK Zagreb
2. RK Makarska Rivijera
3. RK Sinj
4. RK Nada
5. HARK Mladost
6. RK Lokomotiva

Winning squad – RK Zagreb:

1. Tibo De Kesel
4. Nicolas Paul
5. Marko Dujić
6. Luka Šiklić
7. Marko Livaić
8. Mahir Bišić
9. Lauro Kostić
10. Niko Vranešević
11. Leo Rudnički
12. Ervin Kostanjšak
13. Ivano Šojić
19. Vid Vukovac

Coach: Hrvoje Bartolić