Access Bank Zambia Reaffirms Support as Red Arrows Rugby Club Unveils 2026 Kit
Lusaka, Zambia: RED Arrows Rugby Club has presented its new 2026 kit to Access Bank Zambia, its principal kit sponsor, reaffirming a partnership that continues to support sports development, talent nurturing, and the growth of rugby in Zambia.
The presentation ceremony, held at Access House in Lusaka, celebrated the relationship between Access Bank Zambia and Red Arrows Rugby Club. The occasion also allowed the Bank to reaffirm its commitment to supporting sporting excellence and creating opportunities for athletes to thrive on and off the field.
Earlier this year, Access Bank Zambia committed K1.5 million towards supporting Red Arrows Rugby Club as kit sponsor for both the men's and women's teams, while also sponsoring the 2026 Commander's Challenge Rugby Tournament. The sponsorship package includes K400,000 towards the tournament scheduled for 31st October 2026.
Speaking at the event, Access Bank Zambia Executive Director for Public Sector and Wholesale Banking, Helen Lunda, who read the speech on behalf of Managing Director, Iheanyi Nwogu, congratulated both teams on their impressive performances and encouraged them to build on their achievements as they prepare for the season ahead.
The Red Arrows Women's Team enjoyed an outstanding performance, winning all four tournaments in which they competed and finishing as runners-up in the National League. The Men's Team also delivered notable performances, securing victories in the Nchanga 15s and Roan 7s tournaments, finishing as runners-up at the Mufulira 7s and remaining firmly in contention in the National League.
"These achievements demonstrate what discipline, preparation and teamwork can accomplish. Success also sets a new standard, and the challenge is to keep delivering even when opponents are working harder to beat you," Dr Nwogu said.
He noted that the values underpinning rugby, particularly teamwork, accountability, resilience and excellence, resonate strongly with the Bank's own approach to business and customer service.
At Access Bank, employees are known as Access Warriors, guided by the spirit of being ‘unbowed, unbent, unbroken.’ Dr Nwogu encouraged the players to carry the same determination onto the field, trust their preparation and continue representing the club with pride.
He added that the Bank's support for both the men's and women's teams reflects its belief in the power of sport to transform lives, inspire communities and create opportunities for talented athletes to achieve their full potential.
Representing the Zambia Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Oscar Msitu Nyoni, Director of Sports Colonel Maureen Sililo expressed gratitude to Access Bank Zambia for its continued support of Red Arrows Rugby Club. She said the presentation of the new kit to the Bank demonstrates the club's appreciation for Access Bank's continued commitment to rugby development.
Col. Sililo highlighted the significance of the partnership in advancing rugby development in Zambia, noting that nearly 80% of players representing Zambia's men's and women's national rugby teams are drawn from Red Arrows Rugby Club.
She commended Access Bank Zambia for believing in the Red Arrows brand and for supporting a partnership founded on shared values of excellence, resilience and discipline. She further expressed confidence that the relationship would continue to grow and contribute meaningfully to the long-term development of rugby in Zambia.
The event comes ahead of the Commander's Rugby Tournament on 31 October 2026, which will provide another opportunity for the teams to demonstrate their abilities, compete for honours and showcase the quality of Zambian rugby.
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