Rwanda edges ever closer to IRB status

THE Rwanda Rugby Federation (RRF) has embarked on a journey to become a fully recognised member of the high-status International Rugby Board (IRB)-the world governing body of the game.After establishing a national federation ten years ago, RRF has since then made efforts to fulfill IRB’s requirements like being an associate member of the regional body-Confederation of African Rugby (CAR).Rwanda became an associate member of CAR in 2004 and a full member a year later and has since participated in continental tournaments. Four years ago, the IRB confirmed Rwanda as an associate member.According to IRB rules and relegations, the federation can only apply to be a full member after two years as an associate member and according to the current RRF president Vianney Otto Muhinda the local federation has applied to be a full member.Among the requirements is youth rugby especially in schools across the country, establishment of women’s rugby and the men’s participation in CAR funded tournaments.Muhinda has revealed that together with his current executive, everything is being done to make sure that some necessities like a rugby club house are attained. “We are in constant communication with the people at the IRB headquarters in Dublin, Ireland and we know for sure that very soon we shall make it to the top stage,” explained Muhinda in an interview.A total number of 12 teams from across the country are full members of the RRF and participate in the local body’s sanctioned events like the national 15s league, several 7s tournaments organized by the clubs and avail players for the national team.RRF also has to be in close relationship with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to make sure it maintains the “Keep Rugby Clean” campaign that was initiated by the IRB and WADA.The Rwanda national senior 15s side-Silverbacks played its first CAR encounter against Zambia in 2003 and lost 107-9 and have since played in CAR Division 2 games. Rwanda has beaten Burundi three times in recent years in the same tournament including a 28-3 victory last year in Kigali.

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Rwanda edges ever closer to IRB status