The performance of Rwandan schools in this year’s edition of the FEASSA games rugby 7s could prove to be an answer for the Silverbacks, the national rugby side in the latter’s quest to participate in more international games, like Olympics rugby.

For the Rwandan schools, the introduction of 7s was a welcome change from the previous editions where only one school, the winner of the National Inter-School Rugby 7s would participate in the 15s format. This presented a chance to more young players to get the much needed exposure – in the form of games against tough East African opponents.

According to the Rwanda Rugby Federation (RFF) secretary-general Tharcisse Kamanda, more focus should go to the 7s format. "When we used to play in the 15s format at the FEASSA Games we never advanced to the semis but, with 7s, we gave ourselves a chance, and now have a higher ranking.”

Kamanda says 7s does not necessarily come at the expense of 7s for the 15s team.

Pundits admit it is a hurdle to improve the Silverbacks 15s in the short run considering Rwandans' lack of size in the pack, especially for the front rows.

A look at the star players in this year’s edition reveals the majority are backs like Carlos Simbi, Patrick Ikorukwishaka , Ombeni Iradukunda, David Kasanga and Diego Dusabe.

"We will rely more on the national rugby league to feed the 15s team,” adds Kamanda.

RFF technical director Jean Baptiste Itanzi said the increase in the number of players thanks to Rugby Development Officers (RDOs) and organisations like Friends of Rwanda Rugby will go a long way in boosting the depth of the Silverbacks squad in the near future.

"The growing numbers also mean we will have strong U-19 sides capable of challenging other countries,” added Itanzi.