Rwandair sinks Frw1.7 millions into Ruggers’ trip

Castle Cup Tourney June 26-30 BY BONNIE MUGABE & KIM KAMASA Rwanda’s national carrier Rwandair Express has come to the rescue of the cash-strapped Rwanda Rugby Federation. The carrier will fly the national rugby team the SilverBucks to Arusha, Tanzania for the Confederation of African Rugby sanctioned Castle Cup tournament. The brief function to unveil the package was held at Rwandair Express head offices. While handing over the 25 air tickets worthy Frw1.7 millions, the carrier’s Chief Executive Officer Manzi Kayihura expressed the company’s commitment to towards giving a helping hand whenever the situation arises. He said, “We had to intervene since the national team concerns everyone and it’s also our pleasure to be part of the development of game of rugby in the country.” The tickets were handed to the rugby federations Secretary General Celestin Nzaramba who thanked the national carrier for their timely support. Had it not been for Rwandair Express rescue, the Rwandan team was facing a possibility of missing the event due to lack of funds. In an earlier interview Nzaramba had expressed his fear about the team missing the event, “We can’t confirm whether we are going and if it happens that would be at the last minute.” “We requested for funds from the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport to take part in the tournament but until now, we have not received any response,” he cried early in the week. The annual event will be held at the Friedkin Recreation Centre Arusha and Tanzania is expected to attract five teams including Kenya, Mauritius, Uganda, Rwanda and the hosts Tanzania. Tanzania are the defending champions from last year, they beat Niger in the finals played at the same venue last December. With the journey that had been accounted to take three days, Rwandair has reduced to just 45 minutes and the team will be fresh as it opens her campaign against the hosts Tanzania on Monday June 26.

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Rwandair sinks Frw1.7 millions into Ruggers’ trip