Rugby in Rwanda
Background
Rugby has been around for close to five years now. It has made very big strides amidst the many challenges that come with starting a completely new sport in Rwanda.
The game started from a small friendship between a Rwandan national Alexis Kamanzi and a Frenchman Dr.Pierre Hofer that resulted in a simple game of touch among rugby veterans who just wanted to have some fun. This resulted in bigger thoughts of introducing the game to the youth.
“We started with kids from Nyamirambo, Remera as well as Gikondo in Kigali city, and when these became many, we decided to form a Union,” Alexis Kamanzi, Rwanda rugby federation president reminisces.
This prompted the founders to search for more former players and anybody who would show some interest in the game. More touch rugby was played and after many had acquired the basics, it evolved into full-time contact rugby.
This is when Philip Gakirage, a veteran rugby player was discovered and willingly accepted to boost rugby promotion in Rwanda. He is currently a national technical adviser to the Rwanda rugby federation.
This new development led to other developments, the “Friendship championship cup” was introduced. There was no turning back.
The then Minister of Sports, Robert Bayigamba, gave a lot of support to the very tender sport and helped crawl to the next level.
In the meantime, the union promoted the sport with exhibition games at Universities and it was highly assisted by Emma Reese, a lady that seemed to have rugby flowing in her blood. She took care of most of the Gitarama province. She promoted the sport in 4 schools such as Shyogwe (it now has a girls’ rugby side now!) and many more.
This is when the union decided to form a committee and apply to CAR, the body that governs rugby in Africa, and requested a trainer.
“Jean Louis Barthez came and we also got contacts from our Ugandan counterparts and started a schools’ championship. Most of the teams were from Gitarama,” Kamanzi silently deliberated.
When Dr. Pierre Hofer the Frenchman finished his mission in Rwanda, lady luck smiled on Rwanda rugby again in the form of an Englishman called Brendan Stanbury who not only solicited for sponsorship, bought jerseys but also played for the Remera Buffaloes RFC! So followed the creation of the national team, the school’s championship, the creation of the feminine teams and so many other good things!
Troubled waters
However, it wasn’t smooth sailing all the way. The departure of rugby enthusiasts Pierre Hoffer, Emma Reese, Deena Aiken, and Brendan Stanbury left a big vacuum to fill especially in the administrative department!
This left Alexis Kamanzi to run the federation on his own as there seemed no one else to support and this sometimes led to so much disgruntlement among players and fans who demanded accountability on the meager resources of the game could have generated.
AGM and elections
In February 2005, Alexis Kamanzi under a lot of pressure convened a General Assembly commissioned by a National Olympic Committee representative. A new president, Solange Uwangabiye was elected into office with a complete committee. The committee has since had its own troubles which could explain its failure to get any sponsorship and thus a call for another AGM which will be held on the 25th November 2007.
The entire rugby community is looking forward to the AGM with hopes of helping the limping committee clean house and also elect new people in the vacant posts with a ‘Team Work’ as its major theme.
Achievements
Even with all its trouble and lack of sponsorship, the game has kept going and registered some achievements.
-In 2004, Rwanda was invited to the Dublin IRB meeting, a milestone in itself since this showed that Rwanda as a rugby-playing nation was recognized.
-The federation of Rwandan rugby has been able to organize, be invited, and participate in tournaments both on the local and international scene. They have played in Tanzania, Burundi, and Uganda and also participated in the prestigious Whitespoon tournament in Zambia (it was the first time for Rwanda) in 2003 and is now being a regular participant in the annual Makerere University Hima Cement tournament.
-There is a women’s side that is also registering steady growth. It is now among the best sides in the East African community. A lot of support is still needed though.
-There is a schools tournament that is being promoted with the aim of strengthening the sport in the country. A UK-based charity organization, the Friends of Rwandan Rugby founded by Emma Reese, is also doing a lot to promote the game especially among orphans and street children, and recently funded a U-14 team that took part in the tour aid tournament. The team was fourth overall.
-Rwanda is a regular participant in the Castle Super 16 tournament that has been held in Tanzania twice. Rwanda hopes to host it next year if sponsors take this opportunity.
-Acquisition of office premises for the federation at the National Amahoro Stadium. Room 119. The list is endless.
Challenges
I see the challenges rugby here has as an opportunity for potential sponsors since the need is easier identified and thus their contribution easier to gauge.
– Lack of a rugby ground and clubhouse is the biggest challenge.
– No qualified trainers and referees
– No/inadequate equipment
– Financial constraints internally
– No sponsorship
Way forward
The way forward is clear. This has started with the realization by players, former players and fans of a need for accountability thus the AGM which will be on 25th November 2007… the election of competent rugby enthusiasts, drawing a clear Action Plan, setting up an of schools and girls’ rugby development committee, disciplinary committee, referees and coaches committee and a serious marketing drive in search of sponsorship.
The only advice I have for any company out there is to grab the opportunity for this green and fertile opportunity called rugby, it will be a worthwhile and profiting venture. A look at our neighbors Uganda and Kenya is sure proof of the social, corporate, and developmental benefits of associating with the game of rugby.
