Nyirishema tasks Rwanda Rugby body to up the sport's standards
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Sports Minister Richard Nyirishema addresses delegates at the conference. Courtesy

Sports Minister Richard Nyirishema has called on the local rugby governing body to improve the level of the sport in all development aspects.

Nyirishema was speaking at the Rugby growth conference Africa taking place in Kigali since Thursday, August 29.

The conference brought together board members and delegates from 15 Rugby unions across Africa representing countries of Algeria, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, côte d'Ivoire, Eswatini, Ghana, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia and the host Rwanda.

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While Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah is convinced that, "The growth and development of the game both regionally and across the continent, are unattainable,” Nyirishema insists there is still more to do to get Rwandan Rugby go miles.

"Rugby is an evolving sport in Rwanda,” he said before urging the federation to "work hard and improve local tournaments hence competing across Africa and worldwide and we will work hard to support them.”

Nyirishema was present during the opening ceremony of the conference, and, in his remarks, he said Rwanda is committed to enhancing Rugby infrastructure and hosting more rugby events in future.

"Our state-of-the-art facilities, such as Amahoro Stadium, is a testament to our dedication, considering us for future rugby tournaments and conferences,” he said.

According to Rwanda Rugby Federation president Tharcisse Kamanda, the conference will equip delegates from Rwanda and other African nations with the essential tools to foster and expand the love for the game.