A visit of eleven UK rugby coaches to Rwanda as representatives of the UK Charity, Friends of Rwandan Rugby, culminated in a tournament of ten teams from five Muhanga primary schools on Friday (May 4). 

The visitors were participating in the third annual Tag Rugby tour and were in the country for two weeks.   In the first week, the coaches were based in Kigali and visited teams in the Northern region to support the development of the game throughout the country, before basing themselves in Kabgayi (Southern Province) and holding regular coaching sessions throughout the week with the five Primary schools: Shyogwe, Kabgayi A and B, Gahogo and Gitarama.

Each UK rugby coach was assisted by a Rwandan rugby coach with the translation of the rules and instructions to the children. 

In these sessions, the children were introduced to the game of TAG rugby which is a non-contact version of rugby which has simple rules so can be learnt quickly, and is safe for younger school children to play. 

By the end of the week, the best 10 players from each school were selected to participate in a tournament.  The winners from Shyogwe who called themselves ‘No Fear’ were presented with a trophy and each child received a medal to commemorate their participation in the tournament. 

Throughout the week, the principles of the game were taught to a school teacher and all of the equipment necessary for schools to continue playing TAG rugby was left in the hope that the children will continue to play.

All in all both the visitors and the children had a great experience and Friends of Rwandan Rugby are looking forward to the fourth annual tour in 2011.

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