Local rugby clubs urged to build structures

Local rugby clubs must create physical structures in order to promote the sport in Rwanda, according to Englishman and rugby enthusiast, David Carter. Warren made the call after funding this year’s Kigali Sevens Rugby tournament, which was won by Thousand Hills RFC last weekend. “Creating structures will assist Rwandan clubs to promote the sport, rugby centers with facilities can be used as a meeting avenue not only for players, fans but also for activities like leisure, meetings, workshops, parties, training seminars, education programs, playing sessions, board meeting as well as other events that involve families, friends as well as corporate social meetings,” he opined. The Englishman added that, “In this way, networks can be created where people socialize and pay for membership to involve with others to discuss and talk about rugby in the end they will attract corporate sponsorship from top companies.” There are ten rugby clubs playing in the national league, namely; Kamonyi Puma, Remera Buffaloes, Thousand Hills, UR Grizzlies, Muhanga, Veterans, Kigali Sharks, Lion de Fer, Resilence and Tumba College. However, none of them has what one would refer to as a home ground of their own and additionally; most of the competitions are organized by the Rwanda Rugby Federation (RRF). The league and other competitions also face a number of challenges that include; above them all, lack of corporate sponsorship. Rwanda is an Associate Member of the International Rugby Board (IRB) but have yet to play in a Rugby World Cup qualifying tournament. This year’s national league was won by Remer Buffaloes after beating Gatenga-based Thousand Hills, who were the defending champions. The men’s national team made their international debut in a match against Zambia in 2003, lost by 9-107, for the CAR Division 2. They won their subsequent international against Burundi by 18-5. Rwanda is ranked 94 according to World Rugby Rankings released on December 3. The team is grouped along Ghana, Mauritius, and Lesotho’s in the Africa Cup First Division. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Local rugby clubs urged to build structures