Latest News

07/06/2013 - Tournament Day (Sixth Tour)

The sixth annual coaching tour is making preparations for the deliver of tournament day in Gicumbi in Northern Rwanda. A group of 20 British and Rwandan coaches have been working in the area for the past 6 days, delivering materials, training teachers, up-skilling RDO's. Results and reactions will be updated shortly..

14/03/2013-20/03/2012 Bhubesi Pride visits Rwanda again

FoRR Programme Manager with the team from Bhubesi Pride

The team from Bhubesi Pride recently visited Rulindo District in Nothern Africa to work with 216 primary school children from three different schools. Programme Manager, Kamanda Tharcisse and RDO Alex Sibomana were on hand to offer coaching support and assisted with organisation of the visit. The visit culminated in a tournament with Nyirabirori playing Tumba in the final game. See http://www.rugbyinafrica.org/about/project-work/rugby-in-africa-2013/ to learn more about the Bhubesi project

03/11/2012 Ruhango Tag Rugby Tournament

10 Teams from 9 primary schools met at the Ruhango playing field to participate in a Tag Rugby tournament organized by FoRR Rugby Development Officer Muvunyi Mathieu.

Participating Primary Schools included; Ruhango Catholic, Ruhango Adventist, Amizero,Gitisi, Nyamagana, Munini, Musamo, Kageyo and KiziberiI.

Amizero fielded two teams and all teams were divided into two pools. The final saw Amizero A against Ruhango Catholic. It was a close game but Amizero A dominated the second half leading to a final score of 30 to 20.

14/10/2012 FoRR Schools National 7s Finals

President of the Rwanda Rugby Federation, Dr Otto Vianney MUHINDA presenting the trophy to the winning captain Jean Marie Vianney UMUTONI

This tournament consisted of the victors of the regional 7s tournaments which were held in four regions. The 8 teams were divided into the following two pools; Pool A:, Ikirezi, ACEJ Karama, G.S St Famille A, ISETAR Runda. Pool B: E.S Mulindi, E.S Apemu Ruli, G.S Rwankuba, G.S St Famille B

The results were as follows;
Pool A
Lycee De Ruhango 12 vs ACEJ Karama 5
G.S St Famille A 0 vs ISETAR 33
Lycee De Ruhango 12 vs G.S St Famille A 0
ACEJ Karama 0 vs ISETAR 29
Lycee De Ruhango 0 vs ISETAR 29
G.S St Famille A 0 vs ACEJ Karama 12

Pool B
E.S Apemu Ruli 15 vs G.S Rwankuba 0
G.S St Famille B 0 vs E.S Mulindi 17
E.S Apemu Ruli 19 vs G.S St Famille B 0
E.S Apemu Ruli 12 vs E.S Mulindi 7
E.S Mulindi 21vs G.S Rwankuba 0
G.S Rwankuba 5 vs G.S St Famille B 0

SEMI-FINALS:
1. Lycee De Ruhango 0 vs E.S Apemu Ruli 22
2.ISETAR 14 vs E.S Mulindi 0

FINAL:
ES Apemu Ruli 5 vs ISETAR Runda 27

The Player of the tournament was NKURUNZIZA Emmanuel of ISETAR RUNDA

The event was attended by the President of the Rwanda Rugby Federation, Dr Otto Vianney MUHINDA who presented the trophies to the winning teams. The final game saw ISETAR dominate E.S Apemu Ruli and the final score was 27 to 5 in favour of ISETAR. Refereeing support was provided by FoRR Rugby Development Officers, all players and officials had a terrific day. This has been a great year for ISETAR who represented Rwanda in the Federation of East Africa Schools Championship in Bujumbura at the end of August.

13/10/2012 Reunion of Shyogwe School Players

24 players of the original Shyogwe Kangeroos team got together at the school on Saturday to play a friendly match against the current students. Headmaster NYABYENDA Paul gave his support and it is hoped that this reunion will become an annual event to ensure the ongoing presence of rugby in the village where the first school team was developed in 2002.

Lycee de Ruhango, the victors!

23/09/2012 Ruhango Regional 7s Tournament

The fourth round in a series of regional tournaments across Rwanda organised by by FoRR Program Manager, Kamanda Tharcisse took place this week.

Two pools of six teams competed at the playing fields of Lycee de Nyanza including:
Pool A: Lycee de Ruhango , E.S Gitisi and ETO Gitarama
Pool B: E.T Mukingi, G.S Indagaburezi and Emeru Intwari

The match results were as follows;

Pool A
Lycee de Ruhango 19 vs ETO Gitarama 10
ETO Gitarama 25 vs E.S Gitisi 7
E.S Gitisi 0 vs Lycee de Ruhango 34

Pool B:
E.T Mukingi 10 vs Emeru Intwari 12
Emeru Intwari 25 vs G.S Indagaburezi 7
G.S Indagaburezi 10 vs E.T Mukingi 22

The final saw the winning team of Pool A, Lycee de Ruhango take on the Pool B winners, Emeru Intwari. Lycee de Ruhango were the victors which saw them win 15-0. The winning teams of each round will meet in a festival in Kigali in October, see here for the full details of the day!

26/08/2012-01/09/2012 Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Championship (FEASSA), Bujumbura, Burundi

Congratulations to Rwandan School team, ISETAR who participated in the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Championship (FEASSA) competed in Bujumbura, Burundi from 26/08/2012-01/09/2012. ISETAR had been selected to participate after winning the tournament organised in Rwanda as part of the Federation of Schools and Sports Association Inter-schools Games which were in June 2012. The FEASSA Championship included three Kenyan school teams (Kakamega, Mangu and Maseno) four Ugandan teams (Hana-who won in 2011, Namiryango, Kisubi and Ntare) and two teams from Burundi (LTP and Lycee Kayanza) The games went well For ISETAR who won games against Hana (6-3) and Ntare (26-6), but unfortunately lost to Kakamega (40-9) and LTP with a narrow score of 7-0. This final lost squandered their chance to make the semi-finals. Kakamega won the tournament in a dominant game against Hana which they won 39-0. Well done to FoRR Programme Manager, Kamanda who was invited to participate in this international school fixture as a referee. ISETAR is a school in Kamonyi, Rwanda who were first introduced to rugby by Kamanda who worked with their sports teacher to keep the game going with ongoing intermittent support from Kamanda and Rugby coach, Philip Gakarage.

Maya, Primary School Tag Tournament Champs 2012!

30/07/2012 Gicumbi Primary 7s Tournament

RDO Alex Sibomana arranged a Tag Rugby Tournament for primary schools in the Northern Region of Rwanda which saw eight teams divided into two pools. Participating schools included: Mulindi Primary, Kuruhura Primary, Kaniga Primary, Nyagakizi Primary, Maya Primary, Bugoma Primary, Mugina Primary, Mukarange Primary. The games were held at Mulindi Tea Factory and the final saw Maya take on Mukarange with Maya the victors with a score of 35 to 15.

17/07/2012 Gicumbi Regional 7s Tournament

The third round in a series of regional tournaments across Rwanda organised by by FoRR Program Manager, Kamanda Tharcisse and RDO Alexis Sibomana took place this week. Two pools of seven teams competed at Mulindi Tea Factory ground including: E.S Mulindi Rushaki College, E.S Kamutora, G.S Nyagakizi,G.S Kiruhura, G.S Bugoma, G.S Mukarange and G.S Muyumbu. In the final E.S Mulindi took on Rushaki College and dominated the game with the final score 25-5 to them. The games were refereed by Aimable Harerimana and Jean Claude Ntezimana and the Executive Secretary of Kaniga Sector attended the event. Big thanks go to Alex Sibomana and all Headteachers involved with a special mention to Mulindi Tea Factory who made the pitch available which made the tournament very successful

The Champs; E.S Apemu Ruli

Action shot of the final; E.S Apemu Ruli v G.S Rwankuba

19/07/2012 Gakenke Schools Regional 7s Tournament

The second round in a series of regional tournaments across Rwanda organised by FoRR Program Manager, Kamanda Tharcisse took place this week. In the Gakenke region, nine teams participated including; G.S Rwankuba, G.S Janja, G.S Nganzo, G.S Nyundo, E.S Apemu Ruli, E.S Karuganda, E.S Nyarutovu, ACEDI Mataba and Aprodesoc Nemba. There were two pools who played each other, one of four teams and one of five teams and the final saw E.S Apemu Ruli and G.S Rwankuba. The final was a close game but E.S Apemu Ruli were victorious thanks to their speedy winger and the final score was 7-0 to them. A big thank you to refs Cambara Koko Marcel and Felix Uwitonze and the leader of the School Sports Association who presented prizes to the winning team and worked hard to make the tournament successful. Special well done to Felix Uwitonze for the hard work he has put in introducing rugby in the Gakenke District.

ACEJ Karama celebrate their tournament victory

14/07/2012 FoRR Muhanga Schools Regional 7s Tournament

The first round in a series of regional tournaments across Rwanda, organised by FoRR Program Manager, Kamanda Tharcisse kicked off this weekend. In the Muhanga area, five secondary schools were invited and participated at the Philosophicum ground, including; G.S Shyogwe, E.S Buringa, G.S Gitarama, E.T Kabgayi and SCEJ Karama. Each team played the other five schools which culminated in a final between G.S Shyogwe and ACEJ Karama. During the final, both teams gave a good display. Shyogwe’s speed put them ahead by 7 points at the end of the first half, but despite ACEJ losing a player to a broken shoulder in the second half, they were crowned champions with a final score of 15-14. The games were refereed by Livingstone Muhire and Martin Rurangwa. A big thank you goes to FoRR RDO, Laurien Hakizimana, the school head-teachers and sports teachers who worked hard to make this a successful day.

The Champs-ICETAR

23-24/06/2012 Semi-finals of the Federation of Schools and Sports Association Inter-schools Matches Semi-Finals and Finals, Rubavu District.

Managed by MINEDUC (Rwandan Ministry of Education) who provided transport, accommodation and trophies, these school games are held in All sports including Netball, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Handball and Basketball, rugby is a recent addition to the programme.
Here are the results of the Rugby semi-finals;

E.T Mukingi, Ruhango beat INYEMERAMIHIGO COLLEGE, Rubavu 107-0
ICETAR, Kamonyi beat G.S GAHINI, Kayonza 53-9.

During the final E.T Mukingi took on ICETAR in a hard game with Mukingi dominating the first half until they unfortunately lost their two best players at fly half and second centre due to injury which gave ICETAR the initiative in the second half. The final score was 6-3 to ICETAR who now have the opportunity to represent Rwanda in the Federation of East African Secondary Schools Championship in to be held in Bujumbura, Burundi this August. The games were refereed by FoRR Programme Manager, Kamanda Tharcisse, FoRR RDO Hakizimana Laurien and Rwandan Rugby Federation Representative, Itanzi Jean Baptiste.

24/05/2012 5th Annual Rugby Development Tour to Rwanda

WELCOME BACK AND THANK YOU TO OUR 2012 COACHES!
FoRR would like to announce the completion of our largest tour group to Rwanda yet. The group was based in Huye in the South of Rwanda and developed rugby in six primary schools in the town which culminated in a wonderful tournament on the final day. A full report of activities will follow shortly.

05/05/2012 Muhanga TAG Rugby Tournament

8 teams from 7 primary schools met at Kabgayi Stadium to participate in a TAG Rugby Tournament organised by FoRR RDO Laurien Hakizimana. Participating schools included; Shyogwe, Kabgayi A, Kabgayi B, Gitarama, Mbare, Remera and Gahoho. Shyogwe Primary School brought two teams and the final saw Shoygwe B win against Gitarama and the final score was 35 points to 15. Laurien managed the day and refereed with support from the Schools’ Sports Teachers.

13/03/2012 Northern Rugby Development Officer Hosts Visiting Rugby Coaches

During this week, FoRR RDO Alex Sibomana worked with a number of primary and secondary schools in the Northern Region of the country. Participating schools included Rulindo Primary, GS Nyiramiroli Primary and Secondary, ES Apeki Timna and Tumba Public Primary Schools and each school sent 80-120 students who benefitted from the coaching skills and enthusiasm of the visiting coaches.

11/09/2011 National Schools 7's Finals Tournament

Today saw eight teams from across the country compete in Kigali throughout a rainy day to become Rwandan National schools champions of 7's rugby. Eteka, ETO Gitarama, Ecole Secondaire Mulindi, Ecole Technique Mukingi, Rushaki College, Ecole Secondaire Buringa & Apred Ndera all took part and it was wonderful to see students from across Rwanda come together for a festival of fun. FoRR RDO Sibomana Alexis was able to source milk and water generously supplied by INYANGE Industries and the teams shared lunch as well as competition. FoRR program manager Tharcisse Kamanda said that although it was very hard for he and his RDO's to organise the finals all players and officiials had a terrific day. Refereeing support was provided by Itanzi Jean Baptiste, Nemeye Emmy & Nsengimana Felix. The event was attended by Federation of Rwandan Rugby Secrectary General Ugeziwe Janvier and Vice President Alex Araire with eventual winners Apred Ndera defeating Ecole Technique Mukingi in a tight final seven points to five.

28/07/2011 Regional tournaments find entrants for national finals

The weekend saw FoRR's Rugby Development Officers hold a series of tournaments in regions across the country. The prize, in each contest, being a trip to Kigali to compete in the finals series. The winners of that competition will be crowned Rwandan National 7's School Champions for 2011. Games were held between 18 schools in locations including the Muhanga Stadium, Mulindi Tea Factory and in Ruhango. The winners were Eteka, E.S. Mulindi and ETO Gitarama. FoRR would also like to thank MUHIRE Nardi, NEMEYE Emmy and KAMALI Vincent for their efforts in officiating the matches. Finally congratulations must go to all coaches, teachers and players on their fantastic efforts

2011 Tour

A brilliant tour to Huye was completed recently with 11 tourists delivering huges amounts of equipment to new schools and re-launching the game in this region. FoRR is now looking to employ a full timwe RDO in Huye to sustain the work initiated by this great group of coaches.

March 2011 Training in Rulindo

Alexis

Sibomana, FoRR's Rugby Development Officer in the North, organised a coaching day at SHYORONGYI pitch. Teachers from all of the schools in the Rulindo district attended and Alexis ran a training session for coaches and players. The day was a great success and it is hoped to be repeated soon. The schools need more support with training and equipment.

Lion De Fer RFC Tournament March 2011

The tournament was organized by LION DE FER RFC, and was sponsored by SULFO RWANDA, and was for girls teams including 7 teams from Secondary schools and one club, LION DE FER.
Teams participated:
1.Lion de Fer
2.GROUPE SCOLAIRE NOTRE DAME from NYAMAGABE DISTRICT(Two teams A and B)
3.GROUPE SCOLAIRE REMERA RUKOMA
4.APEC REMERA RUKOMA
5.EMERU INTWARI( two teams A and B)

6.GROUPE SCOLAIRE St PAUL

The tournaments was held at GREEN HILLS Academy ground near to MTN CENTER and there were some men's clubs invited to play in order to assist their sisters, including:
1.REMERA Buffaloes RFC
2.KIGALI SHARKS RFC
3.LION DE FER RFC
3.UNR Grizlies RFC
4.MUHANGA RFC

The winning teams were two teams from GROUPE SCOLAIRE NOTRE DAME.

News Archive

2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2004

2011 Rwanda Southern District League

Table	Wins	Draw	Loss	For	Against	Points
ETO GITARAMA	3	2	0	43	6	14
ECOLE TECHNIQUE MUKINGI	3	2	0	38	18	14
GROUPE SCOLAIRE SHYGOWE	2	1	1	23	18	9
EMERU INTWARI	2	0	3	24	49	8
LYCEE DE RUHANGO	1	1	3	41	43	6
GROUPE SCOLAIRE INDANGABUREZI	0	0	4	6	41	0

19/01/2011 – Tharcisse Kamanda appointed Schools Commissioner

The Federation of Rwandan Rugby recently created the post of Schools Commissioner and granted the position to Tharcisse Kamanda. This new official role will empower Kamanda to build on the many years of work he has performed trying to entrench the game in schools in the country. An ambitious plan for development across the whole nation will now be guided by the Federation and as the program manager of UK Registered charity Friends of Rwandan Rugby, Kamanda is in a fantastic position to get resources to both primary and secondary schools.

01/01/2011 – New Rugby Development Officer for Muhanga Region
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.

2010

08/12/2010 - Breakfast with Shaun Edwards

FoRR was delighted to be the recipient of a breakfast hosted by Shaun Edwards at the High Wycombe stadium. The event saw a gathering of 75 Wasps business supporters who were entertained by an amusing question and answer session. During his talk Shaun highlighted the good that he had seen rugby do in South Africa whilst on tour with the British and Irish Lions and he threw his whole hearted support behind FoRR. He even expressed an interest in coming out to Rwanda to do some coaching in oncoming off seasons.

08/12/2010 – Massive Numbers Show Interest in Learning Rugby
In the rural community of Northern Rwanda a spark has been lit. One single Rugby Development Officer, Alexis Sibomana is now reporting over 1500 students from local schools have taken instruction on the rules of rugby and participated in a variety of training sessions. In addition to the students Alexis is working on the basics of refereeing with 7 keen refs in a hope of providing more game opportunities for the eager youths. An exhaustive schedule see the following programs receive instruction on a weekly basis EP KANIGA, EP & ES BUGOMA,EP & ES MULINDI, EP KARAMBI,EP MUGINA, EP & ES KIRUHURA, EP MUKARANGE,EP& ES NYAGAKIZI, and COLLEGE DE RUSHAKI

December 2010 – Primary School Numbers Grow
The southern part of Rwanda continues to be a great breeding ground for young rugby talent. Southern Rugby Development Officer Muvunyi Mathieu reported that 8 schools in his area are now actively playing the game. Kiziberi, Kageyo, Mbuye, Amizero, Ruhango Catholic, Nyamagana, Gitisi and Munni are all creating and developing teams. Planning has begun for a tournament to take place in 2011.

December 2010 – Frank Hadden Gets in Touch
After a recent coaching visit to Rwanda Frank Hadden contacted the charity to ask if there was anything that he could contribute. From first hand experience he was clearly impressed with the passion and commitment of local Rwandan rugby community. Although slightly shocked about the lack of a suitable playing area he spent time with Scottish Regional Referee Development Manager Colin Brett up skilling players and coaches drawing on their vast experience. Frank has pledged to raise the issue of land with IRB officials. Friends of Rwandan Rugby continues its commitment to help finance the purchase once a suitable field has been sourced.

November 2010 – Female Tour Coach continue good work in Ntenyo
As one of the first two females to assist on an official FoRR coaching tour Agnes NIYOTUMUKESHA has continued to blaze a trail for female coaches in the country. She has started to develop teams in the Ntenyo area and is working with teams from Kageyo and Kizebere primary schools. A friendly fixture is planned for December 2010 and with assistance from the Southern Rugby Development officer this area looks set to continue both boys and girls fixtures into the future. She stated that even with access to limited materials the area is still really hungry to learn more about the sport.

24/10/2010 - Tag Tournament
On the 24th October 2010 our rugby development officer, Muvunyi Mathieu organised a TAG tournament in Huye between the teams who were introduced to rugby on the 2009 Tour. The tournament winners were NGOMA the second was TUMBA the third was KIBONDO and the fourth was NGOMA B. The first team got a big cup, the second got a small cup, the third and fourth got the balls and the trained teacher got the Friends of Rwandan Rugby Certificate.
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23/10/2010 – FoRR Annual General Meeting

The full committee held their AGM and mapped out a strategic plan for the upcoming year. Emma Rees was re-appointed President after Danny Stoker stepped down from the position following 3 successful years in the post. Danny has moved to become Special Events Co-ordinator and will play a significant role on the fundraising subcommittee. Piers Mitchell and Antony Hayes officially join the committee as trustees; bring the total to eight members. Darren Ead has been appointed in the dual role of Tour Manager and Federation Liaison officer. Key areas for growth such as land acquisition and increasing the number of annual tours were discussed. Official accounts were entered into the minutes and the committee was able to approve the creation of a new Rugby Development Officer position to commence 1st January 2011.
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22/10/2010 - Level 1 Coaching Course
Between 22nd -28th October 2010, the Confederation of African Rugby held a Level 1 coaching and refereeing course at the Amahoro Stadium in Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. Our program manager in Rwanda, Kamanda Tharcisse reported that many players and coaches attended and enjoyed the course. He was also very happy to see many of them were originally players at Shyogwe school who are now in different Regions of Rwanda but are still playing rugby, especially in Universities.

September 2010 – Piers Mitchell’s In-Country Update
Greeted at the airport by the New President of the Federation of Rwandan Rugby Dr Otto Vianney Muhinda, Piers spent two weeks coaching and refereeing rugby throughout the country. The first weekend of the visit saw him officiate at a schools tournament just outside the capital in Ndera. 10 boys’ teams and 4 girls’ teams were involved travelling from Kigali, Kamonyi and Giterama to participate. The boys final was eventually won by the home side with fierce competition reported throughout. The girls competition received excellent reports and it was said that they played some of the best rugby on the day with excellent passing and in particular good technique when tackling. GS Remera was victorious in the girls competition and a great day was had by all. Upon completion Piers travelled to the North to work with Sonrise school and headed on to Rulindo and Tumba to aid work being carried out by Northern RDO Alexis Sibomana. Eventually moving South to Gitarama Piers experienced utter delight when arriving unannounced he saw both Kabgayi A and Kabgayi B playing TAG. A trip to Shyogwe resulted in a very productive training session and it was noted that the standard of play has improved considerably since last years tour to the area. Piers left the area still with the songs the students had learnt the previous year about rugby ringing in his ears. This visit also allowed the introduction of Laurien Hukizimana as a potential RDO for the region allowing Mathieu Muvunyi the opportunity to focus on schools in the Ruhango area. Piers reported back to the committee that Laurien (a former St Joseph’s pupil) was an impressive young man, good rugby player and seemed well connected within the district. During his time in country Piers was also able to spend some time with the National squad whilst they prepared for an International tournament scheduled for 22nd November 2011. Finally a genuine attempt was made to source appropriate land for purchase. Whilst again proving difficult, discussions were held with the Federation of Rwandan Rugby about short term leasing possibilities and the eventually ownership of a National home ground.

11/09/2010 – Tumba Jaguar Rugby Club Founded by FoRR RDO
FoRR’s mission to drive rugby in rural communities has resulted in the foundation of Rwanda’s newest men’s club. Situated in the far North of the country Jaguar made a successful entrance into the National rugby competition with their maiden victory coming in a game against Remera Puma 7 points to 5. Founding coach Alexis Sibomana was delighted by the team’s performance and looks to continue to draw talent from the local university to swell the ranks of squad players.

07/09/2010 – Federation of Rwandan Rugby Announces Committee
Results of the Federation AGM have been announced. Dr Otto Vianney Muhinda has been elected President, Alex Araire remains as Vice President (In charge of Marketing), Henry Umwera gets the role of Vice President (Technical), Janvier Ugeziwe continues as Secretary General, Gerald Nsenga moves from VP to National Technical Director and Jean Baptist Itanzi will take the role of Assistant Technical Director.

17/07/2010 – Schools Rugby Rwanda V Democratic Republic of Congo
A young group of rugby players based in Kigali received the opportunity to travel to the North West of the country to play in a game against a team from the neighbouring DRC. It was reported by Kamanda Tharcisse that friendship were formed and knowledge exchanged and in addition to some great rugby the teams took time out to swim in the beautiful Lake Kivu.

04/07/2010 – Northern Schools 7’s Tournament - Gucumbi
Alex Sibomana (RDO Northern Region) has reported that a successful tournament was held in his region this weekend and 6 schools sent a total of 8 teams to participate. Nyagakizi primary school won the tournament after a hard fought final against Mulindi primary.

23/03/2010 – Bhubesi Pride to Include Rwanda
This week Richard Bennett, organiser of Bhubesi Pride, confirmed that Rwanda would be included in the tour program. A trip taking coaches from Cheltenham in the UK to Cape Town in South Africa will pass through Rwanda. Whilst in country the coaches will work in the primary schools around the Tumba area and hold training sessions and games with the desire to contribute to the developing body of knowledge that exists there. Materials will be left with participating schools and the planned venture has received positive feedback from local headteahers and local governing officials. Alex Sibomana will liaise with the incoming tour to maximise positive outcomes for the local children

2009

June 2009 – Rugby Takes Hold in the North
Sibomana Alexis has worked hard to take rugby throughout the Northern region. Having received only a couple of visits from UK coaches Alexis has lead the implementation of the game into Mulindi, Nyagakizi, Kiruhura, Mukarange, Mugina and Bugomba primary schools. He has also been able to work with students from 3 of the secondary schools (Nyagakizi, Kiruhure and Bugomba). Friendly fixtures between Kiruhura, Nyagakizi, Mugina and Murindi have laid the foundation for the possibility of a Northern Schools league which FoRR is aiming to hold in 2011

May 2009 – Second Annual TAG Rugby Tour – Butare
The end of May saw Amanda Furst lead FoRR’s adventure down into the far South of the country with 9 UK coaches intent on introducing the game to as many youngsters as possible. Working within 6 schools including Ecole Primaire de Ngoma Catholique, Ecole Primaire de Ngoma Adventiste, Ecole Primaire Catholique, A.P.E.M., Ecole Primaire de Kibando and Ecole Primaire de Tumba. The team was able to hold a wonderful tournament on 29th May at the end of the 5 day coaching program. Assisted by RDO’s Alex and Mathieu the UK coaches also received support from long time friend to the charity Tharcisse Kamanda and local Grizzles National University rugby player Umugire Alphonse. Having introduced the game and leaving the teams with masses of equipment it remains an area that the charity will continue to support in future years. The tourists enjoyed a well earned break with a trip to Lake Kivu before returning to the UK.
I got the most amazing feeling of accomplishment and a massive sense of pride watching those great kids put so much into a game of rugby, enthusiasm isn't the word! The hardest thing to deal with was the sense of not having done enough to help and that’s why I will return. ** Jack Ransome FoRR Tour Coach 2009/10/11

2008

May 2008 – New Volunteer Arrives
FoRR was delighted to receive Tom Wagsby into the country. Staying for a few weeks Tom was able to work with several of the schools teams in both Kigali and in the South and left valuable information with the developing teams. He held a series of mini games each afternoon and refereed 2 games on the weekends.

04/10/08 – FoRR Annual General Meeting
With the recent employment of new staff in Rwanda the focus of this meeting stayed largely with designing financial structures to ensure the security of salaries on a continuous basis. Measures were put in place so that accounts could be closely monitored and a plan was introduced to maximise all revenue streams efficiently. To facilitate that approach an appropriate website was placed high on the list of priorities and the fundraising subcommittee reported back about potential UK schools links that wish to help going forward. The committee decided to re-set the equipment drive process to concentrate on balls, full team strips, tags and cones. Finally discussion were held about the charities relationship with the Federation of Rwandan Rugby, land accusation and the possibilities of annual tours for UK coaches to the country to replicate the one held earlier in the year.

01/06/08 – Rugby Development Officers
FoRR is excited to announce the employment of their first full time Rugby Development Officers (RDO’s). Alexis Sibomana joins the team working hard to develop rugby presence in the Northern Region. Mathieu Muvunyi has taken on the role with a focus of assisting schools in the Southern Region. Both coaches have been supplied with a bicycle and coaching materials as well as equipment for new schools and will be introducing the game to primary and secondary schools. In addition they will have responsible to organise and referee tournaments in their regions with a view to holding inter-regional matches as the teams develop.

May 2008 – Pilot TAG Rugby Tour – Gitarama Region
During the final week of May 3 UK rugby coaches travelled to Rwanda to join trustees Emma Rees and Deena Aiken on the first FoRR coaching tour. Arriving in country Darren Ead, Denise Adams and Sarah Govier undertook the task of initiating 150 P5 primary school children into the game through a series of training sessions. Having requested a core group of 50 students from 3 participating schools the coaching group split down to work with their students from Kabgayi A, Kabgayi B and Shyogwe. The fifth day of work saw the successful competition of a 6 team tournament held in the Gitarama stadium and after an unseasonal torrential downpour play occurred at a cracking pace. Eventual winners Blue Tigers from Shyogwe collected the cup and all teams were left with materials and equipment to continue their programs. Importantly one teacher from each school was developed throughout the week to receive knowledge and coaching support in the future.

11/05/2008 - A Heartening Display of Women's Rugby

A trip to Remera-Rukoma was rewarded with a full day of sevens activity exclusively played by girls from 3 participating schools. Remera Rukoma’s two huge schools fielded well-drilled and knowledgeable teams and they spent the day battling in a three way tournament with a team that had travelled from Shyogwe.

17/02/2008 - New Volunteer Arrives

FoRR was delighted to receive Mike Nicolas into the country for a month long stay. With his extensive coaching and business knowledge he was able to spend time working with children in Kigali and made a couple of trips to the North of the country to investigate the activities in the region. One of the highlights of his stay was Mike’s work with the street children of Centre Murembo where his open and smiling attitude was very well received. FoRR’s first venture to Rhungeri coincided with Mike’s visit and 3 days were spent with experienced and enthusiastic players at ISAIE Agricultural University in the beautiful foot hills of the Vurunga Mountains.
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January 2008 – 1st Volunteers Return
Kate Alback and Toby Kyle returned to Rwanda for a 3 week stint to continue the work of developing rugby in school and youth groups. In addition they toured this time with 3 of their student from Shanghai. At the conclusion for their stay the group organised a full contact tournament for Nyabagogo Hairy Crabs, Kicukiru Devils, Buffaloes A team, Buffaloes B team and Nyemerambo. Concurrently they held a touch tournament for under 14’s and under 16’s that saw 14 teams take part. Prizes were awarded to all those that took part and a huge tournament was greatly received by its’ many participants. Excellent support for the tournament was given by the local rugby community in the form of organisation and officiating.

20/01/2008 - FoRR's Inaugural Schools League Kicks-off

After many months of hard work Friends of Rwandan Rugby was able to organise and run the first schools league competitions. Four rounds were held concurrently in Kigali and the Gitarama region comprising teams from St Leon, St Joseph, ETO Gitarama, Lycee de Ruhango, Shyogwe, The Red Cross, Ndera, Apade Kichiciru and ESSI Nyamarambo. Eventually league winners from the South, St Josephs, took on Kigali league victors Ndera in the National Schools final. This final game was played in front of a good sized crowd and a tremendous battle saw some wonderful skills from both sides. After an intense 80 minutes, St Josephs from Gitarama were crowned the 2008 Champions and the whole program and final game received good media coverage on the National TV Channel to announce the arrival of schoolboy rugby as a serious force in Rwanda.
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16/01/2008 - QUIZ Night and Charity Fundraiser

50 of the charities long term supporters attended a fun and informative event in Shepherds Bush. Hosted by Trustee Danny Stoker the evening raised valuable funds and raised interest from rugby club communities where a foundation for future tourists was laid.
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04/01/2008 - BBC Radio Interview

Emma Rees and Deena Aiken participated in a follow up interview on Five Live, this time with Simon Mayo, which allowed the trustees to report on the work carried out since their previous visit. With a massive audience this 20 minute segment continued to increase the profile of the charity.
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2007

December 2007

Jean-Baptiste Mukiza and Djuma Adams continue regular training sessions with the Red Cross and Christ for the Nations teams while FoRR Project Managers are away over the Christmas break. Their involvement culminated in a game between the developing teams.
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10/11/2007 – Annual General Meeting
Founding committee member David Barker , Emma Rees, Danny Stoker, Andrew Pollard, Kirstie Wielandt, Ian Wells, Deena Aiken Lucie Rideot, and Tony Newman gathered to lay down the strategic plan for the development of the charity and the sport in Rwanda. It was decided that the mission of the charity would be to assist the growth of teams and schools participation in rural communities. With a plan for 2 serving trustees to visit the country and seek information about infrastructure specific tangible targets were replaced with creating a structure for continuous feedback and adaptability of the program’s working projects.

23/09/2007 – Team to tour in London

These young players were selected to travel to London to compete in an international tournament of developing nations. They were given access to high level coaching and had an opportunity to make friends and develop their skills. A few wins coupled with a few narrow defeats saw them finish mid table in the competition but we hope that it has laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for rugby and the potential for them to one day become leaders and coaches within the Rwandan rugby community.
HAKAZIMANA Jean Paul, USENGIMANA Fabrice, HABUMUGISHA Moise, TWAMBALE Aristide, NSENGIYUMVA Jean Paul, KAMANZI Isaac, MUSANA Emmanuel, SHEMA Bryan, IYIZIRE Cedric Yahaya, URWIBUTSO Mihigo Felix, NIYIDUHA Eric, (Coach) GAKARAGE Philip.

20/09/2007 – FoRR Trustees Visit Refugee Camp
Deena Aiken and Emma Rees travelled up to assess the possibility of introducing rugby into this community. After a day spent meeting leaders it was decided that an introduction may be possible once the sport becomes more developed and local coaches are able to become responsible for delivery.

04/08/2007 - BBC Radio Interview

Emma Rees and Deena Aiken featured during the Simon Mayo show on BBC Radio Five Live with Colin Murray. They used the opportunity to raise the profile of the charity and to call for coaching volunteers to travel to the country to further develop the local body of knowledge. In the course of the interview the issue of funds for land purchase was highlighted and as a direct result a generous plead was received which put the charity in a position to take this specific project objective forward.

July 2007 – First Volunteers Arrive
Exciting times for the charity with the arrival of Toby Kyle and Kate Alback. This pair of teachers came to Rwanda loaded with valuable funds raised from the Shanghai school community in which they work but perhaps of greater value was 110 kilograms of equipment they bought to donate to local schools and youth groups. Their time was spent coaching children and young adults from an orphanage, The Red Cross and Universities across the country. At the end of their stay they held a tournament for two age levels 14/15 years and small boys and girls. The children all received a t-shirt for participating and with 70 young people involved the day gave them a chance to have some fun and experience competition many for the first time in their lives.

April to July 2007 – Progress Report
Working with Amanda Furst at Musha secondary school sees the rugby passion spread east. In addition we recently started work with the Christ for Nations street kids centre based in Nyabagogo, these children are often orphans and are amazingly enthusiastic every time we arrive. The space behind the building in which they live is challenging to say the least but they give every activity their all and they seem particularly pleased learning how to count to 6 “tags” in English. Our coaching continues with Centre Merembo across town in Remera. The children continue to walk the 30 minutes to the playing field in extreme heat to play small sided games with us. Contact sessions are developing and the celebrations of tries have become expressive !! Monday and Thursday afternoons involve visiting the Red Cross education centre where their team is starting to take shape. We now have a crowd of interested spectators who come to the watch the boys and girls train. The development of game awareness has come on in leaps and bounds since the introduction of “intra-club” games after the initial skills based drills are completed.

09/06/2007 – Under 14 Tournament
An incredibly exciting morning saw one of the first junior rugby tournaments in Rwandan history. Teams from across the country came together for a TAG competition with a view to indentifying natural talent that could be moulded into a team to travel to London in 3 months time. With huge physical variation it was necessary to try and identify characteristics that could add to the success of a developing squad and some furious action ensued. Multiple teams from Gitarama, Ndera and Kigali took part and the standard was incredible. It is hoped that this tournament can be the catalyst for the development of a level of junior rugby around the country.
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09/06/2007 – Coaching Workshop
30 Rwandan coaches attended a workshop to enhance their skills in areas including safety of engagement at scrum time, lineout technique, creating space, communication and ruck clearance. All participations were enthusiastic about future workshops and there was a wonderful atmosphere of community at the meal following the completion of the program.
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May 2007 – Brilliant UK Support
SODAM RFC and Northolt RFC adopt Friends of Rwandan Rugby as their charity and raise funds and awareness at their annual charity rugby tournament.
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27/05/2007 – Identifying local talent
ETO Ruhango played Ecole Secondaire Ruhango in a closely fought result of 8 – 5. With reports that Emeru also has a team FoRR has identified this southern region for future attention and resources. A decision has been made to search for a Rugby Development Officers for this region. ** A report was received at this event detailing the success of St Joseph’s against Shyogwe in a friendly played on the previous weekend with a final score of 29 – 12.
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12/05/2007 – Puma Club Workshop, Rema Rukoma.
After a bumpy couple of hours on a packed taxi bus it was wonderful to arrive in this rugby aware community. Through the efforts of a former Shyogwe student the Puma club has found a foothold in this area. With 2 huge schools within a couple of kilometres there is an environment to facilitate competitive matches between boys and girls teams. The best of the area are able to compete for Puma in the National men’s league and we were delighted to officiate a local match and run a few skills and drills for the players.
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28/04/2007 – Buffaloes Rugby Club & FoRR work together
Resources and coaching expertice from the two organisations combined to hold a joint training session at the Kabgayi training area. With 40 student from the nearby school St Joseph’s in attendance smaller groups were split down and taken through various coaching stations. Work was performed on defensive alignments, set piece, re-starts, rucking/mauling and 2 on 1 spacial attack. The session was rounded off with a ferocious game. Huge contacts were made by the teams but some wonderful lines were run irrespective of the incredibly limited space. A great time was had by all with many requests from the students that such sessions could be repeated.
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April 2007 – Trustees Arrive in Rwanda for Year Long Stay
Friends of Rwandan Rugby has taken its’ first official steps to establish a presence in youth groups, schools and Universities across Rwanda. The arrival of Emma Rees and Deena Aiken into the country will allow the charity to start funnelling materials and information into the developing rugby community. Upon arrival they were able to receive 200 kilograms of equipment kindly donated by UK clubs and schools and set up a coaching program that will see sessions and workshops with key stakeholders continue throughout the duration of their stay.

17/01/2007 – Official Launch Party

The Sun, in Richmond, played proud host to the launch of Friends of Rwandan Rugby. An event attended by over 100 supporters was the reward for many months of hard work by founding members Emma Rees and David Barker to achieve UK charity status. The evening saw Rwandan dancers entertain the packed crowd where information was presented about the charities aims and valuable funds were raised to kick off the cause. A great thanks to all those that attended and the call to action was raised for interested parties to come out to Rwanda and help coach the children !!

2004

December 2004 – First Women’s International
The women’s national team travels to Kampala. Although beaten by the Ugandan side it gave the team their first international experience.
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May 2004 - Introductory Visit

Founding FoRR member Emma Rees returns to Rwanda accompanied by Deena Aiken. The pair are able to work with several youth teams, the National Women’s sevens team and the National Men’s team. Deena Aiken acts as referee of the women’s international fixture between Rwanda & Burundi.
Final score Rwanda 5 Burundi 0.
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"I have been playing rugby since I was six years old and as a game I know it makes people trust each other, work together and believe in one another. Friends of Rwandan Rugby breaks down barriers and supports the building of a united Rwandan community. I am proud to support them and that goal.”

Ben Llewellyn-Jones OBE, British High Commissioner to Rwanda.