Rwanda Rugby in 2011

When one talks sports in Rwanda, many think soccer, basketball, volleyball, occasionally athletics but slowly by slowly a game called rugby is starting to creep on Rwandans. When Frenchman Pierre Hoffer introduced the game of Rugby in 2002, he probably just wanted to have fun. He started with a few expatriates who had a notion of the game and later recruited a few curious local faces, mainly kids from Gikondo. Now the game boasts of over 8 men’s clubs, two girls’ clubs, many primary schools enjoying tag rugby, a national rugby team that is now taking part in and even hosting international matches and a steadily growing fan base. Below, are some of the rugby events that graced 2011. Hong Kong 10s Rwanda was introduced to the Hong Kong 10s that precede the famous Hong Kong 7s in 2010 by Hong Kong based Englishman Hughes Dave. Rwanda is now part of the annual rugby 10s courtesy of Dave, his parents and the many friends the Rwandan team’s skills and talent attracted in the 2010 tournament. This year, the Rwandan team moved three places up to 3rd. A sign that 2012 might bring even better results with better preparation and the growth in confidence of the players. Jinja Nile 7s This year, Rwanda also featured in the fast growing in stature Jinja Nile Water Dam 7s. The team, full of debutants to the big stage, won all but two games to take third place. Overall, the team played exceptionally well as a team. No wonder Vincent Kamali emerged top scorer in the tournament with 10 tries. Safaricom 7s Again, in 2011, Rwanda took part in the prestigious Safaricom 7s. This was the third time the country was taking part, the first time being in 2006 when it was still the Tusker Safari 7s. This year, Rwanda beat Tanzania in the Shield semi-finals to reach the Shield finals and earning the 1st runners up trophy after losing to Uganda. CAR 15s Rwanda lifted the Confederation of Africa, South Division, rugby trophy a fourth time in a row. This however dimmed by the fact that for the second year running, only Burundi showed up and there was no visible trophy to lift. However, the way the game was won was a plus in evidencing the growth of Rwanda’s national 15s team. National men’s 15s league Remera Buffaloes Rugby Club won the league for the 5th year in a row. The club is yet to receive its trophy. Gikondo based Sharks RFC put up a spirited fight while former three-time champs Lions de fer also seemed to use the league as a stepping stone for a rebirth. National University of Rwanda’s Grizzlies occasionally showed glimpses of what they could be but somehow always fell short. The league also gave a baptism of fire welcome to Muhanga RFC and Rulindo’s Tumba College Jaguars. They however, stood their ground and played all their games. 2012 should give them more experience. The league was sponsored by Inyange industries. There seemed a glitch towards the end as there was a change in management. Hopefully, they will continue to support rugby in 2012 and beyond. Local 7s tournaments As the game of rugby grows, so have teams gained confidence in hosting the shorter but faster and more entertaining 7s tournaments. The 7s were kicked off by the now annual Remera Buffalo rugby 7s. This is their fourth year running. Buffalo added this year’s trophy to its trophy cabinet; it’s third after losing its inaugural tourney to Lions de fer in 2007. Buffalo went on to make a clean sweep of the other 7s that included the Sharks, Lions de fer, Dave and the first ever UNR Grizzlies 7s. Women’s rugby Women’s rugby has since become a shadow of what it was between 2005 and 2007. This is probably due to neglect by the federation or a lack of resources. Rwanda last enjoyed success in 2006 when sensational Angelique Nzabanita took the MVP and Top Scorer’s awards in the CAR Women’s tournament held in Uganda. Nzabanita had earlier, in 2005, also won the MVP trophy. The future looked bright for the Rwandan girls when in 2008, the Rwandan team was invited to the elite 7s tournament in South Africa. It was ranked among the top 9 in the continent. However, the tournament didn’t take place due to what the organizers said were financial constraints. However, this year, Lions de fer organized a Women’s Day 7s tournament which attracted eight teams, many from the Southern Province. The teams are worth mentioning here. Groupe Scolaire Notre Dame from Nyamagabe beat perennial winners Groupe Scolaire Remera-Rukoma. The tournament attracted many fans, a sign that if women’s rugby is given due attention, Rwanda will attain greater heights. CAR Women’s 7s, South Division On October 29 and 30, 2011 Gaborone, Botswana, the Rwandan women’s rugby team finally, after four years, took part in an international tournament, the CAR Women’s 7s, South. The team, owing probably to the many years on the sidelines, did not manage a good position in the tournament that was held in Botswana. If it was any consolation, the Rwandan girls’ team was lauded for its high level of discipline, commitment and passion. The team, which fielded the youngest players on average, was praised by IRB Women’s development officer, Susan Carty, CAR representative at the tournament, Cliffie Booysen and CAR Women rugby developer, Gifty Ann Myers, who saw a lot of potential in the future of the team. They however also noted that this will only be possible if the team is well groomed. Makerere 10s This tournament was postponed to early next year. Schools rugby This year, many schools took part in various 7s tournaments held in various locations in the country. Apred-Ndera won the federation organized schools’ tourney while Ruhango-Rukoma emerged victors in the Ministry of Education organized inter District tournament. Ruhango represented Rwanda in the Federation of East African Schools (FEASA) tournament held in Mbarara, Uganda. They put up a great performance but did not manage podium position. Sponsors Much as the game is growing, it is doing so against many odds. The biggest challenge is lack of a rugby ground and corporate sponsorship. However, this year, Inyange Industries sponsored the league with milk, juice and water worth Rwf 10 million. The Ministry of Sports and CAR were also on board. MINISPOC also offered Amahoro National Stadium to rugby for its international games and a few selected national league and 7s games. Various friends of Rwanda such as Hughes Dave, his family and a few other individuals chipped in with rugby jerseys, balls and other much needed rugby kits. Management It is apparent that the Rwanda Rugby Federation, led by Otto Vianney Muhinda, registered some successes but emphasis should be put in better team work, setting up working committees and securing a rugby pitch and more corporate sponsorship. Highlights-Top Players National 15s league – Buffaloes’ top scorer Vincent Kamali takes top spot followed by second top scorer and team mate Lucien Bikamba for helping the team carry the league trophy. Gikondo Sharks’ Moise Habumugisha also gets a nod for steering his team to second place. Koko Cambara is also recognized for holding the UNR Grizzlies reigns firm. CAR 15s – Olivier ‘Pappy’ Nikwigize with two tries walked away with the MVP award. Jinja 7s – Kamali with 10 tries and top scorer Safaricom 7s – Allan Otim, Aime Ndahirwa, Koko Cambara, Benjamin Makombe, Moise Habumugisha and Olivier Uwamahoro Local 7s – Buffalo as a team for sweeping all trophies available - Top Coach – Gerald Nsenga for Remera Buffaloes’ success and for lifting the CAR 15s trophy. - Rugby ambassador – RRF’s Alex Araire for bringing in two new clubs, Tumba Jaguars and Muhanga RFC while also supporting Kamonyi’s Puma. Women’s rugby – Jean de la Paix Hategekimana a.k.a Heavy, for revamping Rwandan women’s rugby and hosting the first Women’s Day 7s tourney. Rwanda Rugby friend – Hughes Dave for once again taking Rwanda to the Hong Kong 10s, organizing a local 7s tournament in honour of his parents and providing numerous rugby kit. Referee – Andrew Kettlewell Schools- Apred-Ndera and ETTO-Ruhango Overall assessment of rugby in 2011 is positive. A lot still needs to be improved if the game is to grow in stature and visibility but it is evident that it is on the right path. A lot is expected in 2012 starting with the way clubs are run (some clubs such as Simba and Gorillas are currently nonexistent), increased sponsorship, a more vibrant national 15s league and better performances in international engagements. I sign off by echoing Canada based Dog River Howlers’ moto: Rugby is not just a game, it’s a way of life. We wish you a prosperous New Year. Joseph.bugabo@newtimes.co.rw