Profiles of the Silverbacks

WITH nine days to go, Joseph Bugabo continues to run you through the team that will carry Rwanda’s flag at this month’s Hong Kong 10s.

Juvénal Gatabazi, Centre/ Winger

Gatabazi is just 22 years old weighing 68kgs but what he lacks in age and size, he makes up for it with speed and above all, his never say die attitude. He is one chap whose game has really transformed from individual player to play maker.

You can count on him to score and at the same time defend his try-line with all he’s got, even if it means breaking a leg (his own).

He’s a no retreat no surrender fellow who probably fits his ‘Jet Lee’ nickname. Or could it be that he’s a martial artist too. Today, we are only concerned with his rugby.

Caps: 4
Favourite dish: Posho and beans.
Favourite music: Slow music (With his speed, slow music seems an interesting choice).
Hobbies: None unless work counts as one.

Eric Mbarushimana, Hooker

Hey, don’t go like, "Hooker!!” It’s not the other hooker. In rugby jargon, Mbarushimana is supposed to hook the ball to his side during the scrums.

Sorry, won’t explain the scrum today. At 24, one would be right to say that Mbarushimana has played the game for almost half his lifetime.

Built like 100m sprinter, his speed does not disappoint. He also has so many tricks up his sleeve which should mesmerise his opponents and the Hong Kong crowd.

Caps: 9
Favourite dish: Anything will go down the throat. He doesn’t discriminate.
Favourite music: Slow music (interesting…thought high octane would do for these ruggers.
Hobbies: Meeting friends and watching movies

Ends