When we play rugby everyone smiles..
6 Regional winners traveled to Huye in Septemebr for the 2017 edition of finals. After winning their way through from their regional tournaments TTC (Rusizi), ST Nicolas (Huye), St Trinity (Ruhango), GS Gitarama (Muhanga), ASPEKA (Kigali) and NYANZA Technical School (Nyanza) competed to become champions of Rwanda. GS Gitarama came out winners at the end of the day and all teams, coaches and officials enjoyed a fantastic day of rugby.
Please take a look at a nice article about FoRR and the charity’s journey on the CNN site :
http://edition.cnn.com/2017/03/08/sport/rwanda-rugby-post-genocide/
IT STARTS OUT : An estimated one million people were killed during a 100-day period, among them Tharcisse’s father and two brothers. Aged 13, he was forced to flee his home and then the supposed safe shelter of a camp to stay alive with his mother, sisters and remaining brothers. However, he has been able to slowly and steadily heal his emotional wounds thanks to an unlikely source of solace — the game of rugby. “With rugby, I feel alive,” says Tharcisse, one of the country’s first players, a former international with national side the Silverbacks, and now the general secretary of Rwandan Rugby. “I feel like I’m running to the future,” he adds. “It can bring you great joy and you don’t think about the past. When rugby started here, people were still thinking about the past, about the genocide. The game just brings so much unity with other people.”
Prior to 2001, rugby barely existed in the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Bar the occasional game between ex-pats, it was unheard of in the East African country. Football was king, and still is — the other key sports in Rwanda being basketball, volleyball and cycling. But that all changed in 2001, with the visit of a British charity worker seeking to find a purpose in life. Emma Rees was unsure what to do after completing her university degree, and traveled to Rwanda with Voluntary Service Overseas. She started throwing around a rugby ball with school kids, and has since become a sort of modern-day William Webb Ellis — the schoolboy credited as being rugby’s original founder in the 1820s — for one particular country. Rees first took the game to schools, and the following year the Ministry of Sport granted approval for the formation of the Rwandan Rugby Federation. Two years later the Friends of Rwandan Rugby charity was formed………..
Nice to hear that we are building great relationships through brilliant rugby stakeholders from the land of the leeks!! Click on the below link if you want to see the “Shiny Photo’s & All Version”
http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/37607879
Two Welsh volunteers kick-start Rwandan rugby revolution By Lauren Jenkins BBC Wales Sport When volunteer Glyn Watkins was asked to hold a rugby training session in a school in western Rwanda, he was not expecting to be greeted by 200 pupils. "Help," was the message he mouthed to his wife, Mary, as he stood holding a single ball. Two years later Glyn and Mary are back in Wales and can only watch through a computer screen as a handful of those pupils take to the field for the final of the Rwandan National League. What began as a trial training session has developed into a way of life for many young people growing up in a country still tainted by the 1994 genocide. Mary and Glyn Watkins were volunteering as teachers at TTC Mururu school in Rwanda in early 2014 when the principal of the college invited them to dinner. "I know the Welsh are not very good at football, but you're good at rugby," was the candid conversation starter that led to the school's first training session. How quickly things can change in sport. Glyn had never previously coached rugby at any level, but his befitting birthplace granted him all the credibility he needed. The school's single ball would not suffice so the couple travelled six hours through the Nyungwe rainforest to seek assistance from Friends of Rwandan Rugby, a small charity started by Emma Rees - a former student and rugby player of Aberystwyth University - which promotes the sport in Rwanda. Players mark the pitch with sawdust before kick-off. They returned with three balls and the commitment of a few rugby development officers who would soon visit the school to coach the players. This led to Mururu's participation in its first inter-schools national competition in which they finished fourth. Word spread quickly and soon Mary found herself at the heart of her first international friendly. "We were right on the Congo border and they heard about the training Glyn was doing, the next thing we knew we had a load of Congolese turn up," Mary said. "I think that was the first Congo versus Rwanda international. The only problem was that the border closes at 6pm and it was about a 20 minute run for them to get back. So at half-past-five they would all disappear." Border control wasn't the only obstacle to overcome. The pupils were also all too poor to afford any proper kit. "In fairness to these lads, they don't have any money, they had one T-shirt for PE lessons and they complained they were getting ripped. So Caldicot RFC offered us some kit. Caerleon and Bedlinog RFC also helped out." The team at least looked the part even if the pitch did not meet usual standards. Initially the markings were fictional which became the source of much dissent among opposing teams when tries were awarded. "One game was delayed because none of the markings were set out and we had to wait for a guy to arrive on a bike that was loaded with sawdust - all the boys dived in and marked out the lines. They play on a football pitch in which they strap massive bamboo poles to the posts to make rugby posts. I've also seen games played where the referee's flag is a leafy twig." Mary added. By the end of 2015 many of the students had graduated but the team's captain Donatien Ufitimfura could not entertain the idea of life without rugby. "I was wondering how am I going to spend two months of the holiday without playing the game so I came up with the idea of creating a team," he said. "I started coaching newcomers from my district Rusizi and worked hard to increase the number of people interested in the sport." From here Rusizi Resilience was born. The team became the eighth member of the country's national league which led to its official recognition by World Rugby. The only problem? They had only ever played sevens in school and their first 15-a-side match was a competitive game in the national league. However, they won that match 36-6 against Muhanga RFC. The team went on to win every match of their opening season until the league's final against Thousand Hills RFC on Saturday which they lost 45-0. Mary arranged for the team to play in Oakdale RFC kit and is proud of their achievement. "The team they were playing on Saturday is made up almost exclusively of international players. What Donatien has done is incredible," she said. "He stood out from the very first training session for us. He is a very intelligent young man and he does an awful lot of research." Donatien was invited to train with the national team, but fell just short of making the final squad. He has turned down the opportunity to attend university to take up a post as a rugby development officer with 'Friends of Rwandan Rugby.' He has already set up tag rugby teams in eight local primary schools. Past grievances For a country with such a turbulent history as Rwanda, Mary was quick to discover that rugby provided the pupils with a refuge, free from any painful historical references. "Rugby is a post-genocide sport. When you were out there you realised that everyone was affected," Mary said. "There were a lot of people that were killed in football stadiums. In village football sides you'd maybe play opposition that maybe killed your family". "All the sports can be tainted but there are no bad memories associated with rugby." Donatien admits the sport has become much more than a pastime. "Rugby has eased the wound of genocide especially for the youth. Rugby has contributed for developing the sociability of Rwandans," he said. "I could not envisage life without it. Only war, disaster or other conditions out of my control could stop me from playing now. "Nobody can forget it all because what happened was so bad, but rugby can help me forget all the bad things I have seen. "When I play rugby I can feel nothing in my heart but enjoyment."
Well, our 9th coaching trip has been concluded. This takes our figures to 89 coaches travelling to Rwanda over 9 years to contribute to the Rwandan rugby scene.
This year they delivered 369 shirts, 175 balls, 22 trophies, 252 medals, 22 sets of TAGs, 194 cones, 14 pumps and 31 bibs. Not bad when you consider we also delivered 4 tournaments, 2 referee coaching workshops, 4 teaching-the-teacher sessions at Rusizi College as well as sessions with the newly formed club, Rusizi Resilience.
Great work from our 12 Volunteers and all of our staff and supporters in Rwanda.
Where should we go for our 10th year in May 2017????
We are deep into tournament season. Take a look at the tournament page to see the winners of our 23 tournaments due for delivery by the close of 2015. The recent first aid workshop was a huge hit with teams from all over the country sending representatives to learn rugby 1st Aid. But perhaps the highlight of recent times has been the success of Rwandan teams at the Federation of East African Schools rugby tournament. Congratulations must go to GS St Famillie who were the tournament champions. Incredible achievement by these guys. Also well done to ET Mikingi for winning the Bowl Final.
FoRR hopes to continue the development of an understanding of the laws of the game through the purchase of massive amounts of law books. We have ambition for every school and team in the country to hold their own copy. A huge task to distribute but it will be great to see so many empowered with technical detail and an opportunity to learn.
We are delighted to announce the employment of new RDOs for 5 rural regions across Rwanda. Our coaches are working to teach students and staff the laws of rugby. They are dedicated to delivering regular coaching sessions and organising friendly fixtures, league games and tournaments for primary students and secondary students. They also work as community leaders in the development of new adult rugby clubs so there is a pathway for all Rwandans to develop a life long love for rugby. Our staff now works in the following regions:
KARONGI – MUHIRE Ancelme
RUHANGO – ZABAYO Joseph
RWAMAGANA – HAKIZIMANA Jean de Dieu
MUSANZE – TUYISENGE Jean Luc
GAKENKE – UMUTONI Jean Marie Vianney
HUYE – MUDAHERANWA Jean Claude
MUHANGA – HAKIZIMANA Laurien
KIGALI – THARCISSE Kamanda
FoRR is delighted to work with a range of groups across the country. It is particularly special to work with some of the most disadvantaged youth to bring them some joy and belief that they are part of our wonderful rugby community. Recently we received this note from Sean Jones who is the executive director of the Rwandan Orphans Project:
Dear FoRR team,
I just wanted to express our gratitude for allowing our boys to participate in Saturday’s rugby tournament here in Kigali. Our boys were so excited when they left our center that we could hear them shouting and singing on the bus for quite a while as the they drove down the road. Our boys took second place overall and when I arrived at the ROP Center this morning they all rushed to me to show me their shiny medals. They were so proud and happy and I can’t thank you all enough for giving them that opportunity. Thanks also for providing the transportation and snacks for them after the tournament. We’re so appreciate of our partnership with you and thankful for your support over the years. I would also like to thank Kamanda for being such a great role model for our kids and such a wonderful ambassador for your organization. Our boys really love him and he is very, very good with them.
FROM FoRR program manager:
The tournament went well but unfortunately ES NYARUTOVU didn’t participate because of their Headmaster, who is not organized.
The teams were divided into the two following pools
Pool A: ET MUKINGI, ACEJ KARAMA, RUSHAKI COLLEGE, EAV KABUTURE.
POOL B: GS St FAMILLE, APICUR, ETO GITARAMA.
The teams played each other in their pools and 4 teams qualified into the semi finals including:
ET MUKINI 35 VS APICUR 0 and GS St FAMMILLE 33 VS EAV KABUTARE 5
The final match ended with a victory to ET MUKINGI 24 – 12 as the winning team of FoRR 2014 Schools seven-a-side tournament.
The games were refereed by the RDO`s and were kindly assistance by Andrew Kettlewell (International Referee) from the UK.
The event attended by the President of Rwandan Rugby Federation who presented the trophies to the Winning team.
After 8 weeks of intensive coaching sessions delivered by 4 of our rugby development officers the trainee teachers of TTC Mururu have an opportunity to further enhance their understanding of rugby by participating in their first fixture. FoRR has facilitated the movement of the whole squad on a road trip to compete against CEFOTEC this Saturday. Although it is an epic 8 hour round trip to compete there is great enthusiasm by the group to put into practice skills that they have recently learnt. We hope this experience will kindle a passion for rugby that these teachers will then carry throughout their careers and pass onto classes on Rwandan school children!
Oxford University recently got in touch and wanted to help with a huge kit donation for Rwanda. FoRR was delighted to receive the first batch from these wonderful guys. See below a little article from their website. Full version is at http://www.ourfc.org/NewsItem.aspx?ID=2188
The annual summer ‘clear out’ of cupboards, kit rooms, changing rooms etc. at Iffley Road harvested a vast array of kit which thanks to the help of George Merry from local club Alchester RFC, will make it’s way to Rwanda. The kit collected included balls, bibs, water bottles, playing kit, casual kit, boots and kicking tees. For further information on how the kit will be used or if you wish to donate any from your club, then please click on the link below: http://friendsofrwandanrugby.org.uk
In August 2013 Keith Wallace contacted Friends of Rwandan Rugby to find out more about our organisation and see if there were ways that he could help FoRR and rugby generally in Rwanda. Throughout the past 11 months during countless phone calls and almost a hundred emails this partnership is a week away from starting to deliver the fruits of that labour. Keith will be travelling to Rwanda with approximately 200kgs of rugby equipment. He will be there as part of a tour organised by the King Penguins, a group of “mature” rugby players that compete in matches and promote the training of youngsters in the skills of rugby as well as providing coaching to the communities they visit. In addition to this immediate injection of materials the infrastructure and finance has been developed to seek and employ an administrator for the Federation of Rwandan Rugby. This full time salaried position will enable the Federation of Rwandan Rugby to drive towards developing the game across Rwanda and its goal of securing full member status from the IRB. Applications for the position will be opened shortly and once in place the Administrator will orchestrate the various component of the sport in collaboration with the existing six FoRR rugby development officers under the overall control of the committee of the Federation of Rwandan Rugby. FoRR is delighted to have facilitated this sponsorship by the King Penguins to increase the capacity of the Federation of Rwandan Rugby and looks forward to improved delivery of competitions and opportunities for all Rwandan rugby players as a result.
In early May 2014 FoRR received contact from a VSO volunteer, Glyn Watkins. He had been working out in the west of Rwanda closely associated with TTC Mururu. The TTC stands for Teacher Training College. You can imagine our excitement at the prospect of being invited into this environment to deliver regular weekly coaching sessions to a wide range of teachers that will eventually be placed in schools all across the country. Quickly a plan was developed and a proposal created that will see FoRR rugby development officers travelling the 6 hour journey out to Rusizi on a rotational basis, staying 2 nights and delivering a sequence of sessions and workshops to empower Rwandan teachers with rugby skills and knowledge. The pilot program has been assigned funding to proceed for 8 weeks and it is hoped upon evaluation this project can become an embedded part of the FoRR delivery strategy. We thank Glyn for his wonderful enthusiasm and look forward to creating strong ties with TTC Mururu long into the future. Below is a photo from the first session. So many showed up he had to turn people away!
FoRR is delighted to be providing Rwandan rugby development officers to develop Rwandan teachers who will in turn teach Rwandan students the joys of rugby. Rugby development officer Mathieu Muvunyi was the first FoRR staff member to make the journey out to TTC Mururu and reports received indicate the launch of the program has been a wonderful success
The middle of the year is an exciting time for rugby in Rwandan schools. Throughout the next month four tournaments will be played across the country. These regional tournaments on the back of two held last month collectively serve to select the regional champions. These regional champions then travel to the capital to compete in the national schools championship of Rwanda. In total the 6 tournaments fully organised, officiated and funded by Friends of Rwandan Rugby will see 36 schools compete to be crowned champions of Rwanda.
Friends of Rwandan Rugby’s six full-time rugby development officers met in Ruhango this weekend to participate in a coaching workshop. The group developed their skill specific coaching strategies and evolved their planning and timing skills for training sessions.
HAKIZIMANA Laurien has been chosen as the 4th member of the FoRR rugby development team. He will be working with primary schools in Remera, Mbare, Baringa and Kabgayi introducing the game of TAG rugby to new schools and continuing with the coaching support of existing schools. His role also includes working with the secondary schools that have a strong history around the region and prepare them for fixtures that he will need to referee. Laurien’s final challenge will be to meet with former school rugby players in an attempt to create the first men’s rugby club in Muhaunga.
