Tag rugby is sweeping through primary schools in the country as one of the most liked sport among pupils, a development that has excited the local rugby fraternity. Initially introduced in Rwanda in 2007, starting with schools like Kabgayi A and B and Shyogwe in the south, by UK-based charity, Friends of Rwandan Rugby (FoRR), Tag Rugby has since spread to 84 primary schools across the country. Pupils from MEG Foundation, Musanze, take part in some drills by the FoRR team. (Courtesy) FoRR are partners with the Rwanda Rugby Federation (RRF) and the charity’s staff made up of 8 Rugby Development Officers (RDOs), train sports teachers and organize tournaments among schools. Tag rugby is a non-contact version of the game played by seven players against seven; players wear tag belts with Velcro straps , these are strips of nylon fabric, one with tiny hooks and the other a coarse surface, that bind when pressed together. The defending team attempts to pull at the straps to stop the other team advancing the ball. Children can begin as early as 6 up to 16 years, according to the FoRR. As for any other game, it helps to have children start at an early stage—children who go on to play in high school and beyond, will have a foundation in skills like support play, quick passing and handling skills. The FoRR have a team of British coaches who have held annual coaching tours in different districts since 2007 with Musanze district being the latest this year. The RRF secretary general and FoRR Project Manager, Tharcisse Kamanda, says the game has spread because it doesn’t require a lot of equipment like normal rugby. “All you need is a tag belt and a ball,” he says. “It is a social game involving many children. Children love it a lot. You can go to a school and find over 200 children all wishing to participate,” he explained, adding that the sport pulls crowds and creates a competitive atmosphere. Kamanda revealed that more schools have expressed interest to the RDOs at tournaments to have Tag Rugby introduced to their schools however it’s possible with few at a time, mostly due to a shortage of tag belts and balls. In February this year, the FoRR donated equipment including; 300 jerseys, 316 balls and 230 tag belts for the development of the sport in schools. Aside from engaging young minds in sport, it’s an opportunity for schools to win some silverware. G.S St. Famille’s win in the recently concluded FEASSA Games is an example of what can be achieved by Tag Rugby. “Headmasters and teachers are keen to see Tag Rugby drafted into next year’s national inter-schools competitions for the U-16 players,” Kamanda said on Thursday. The Rwanda Rugby Federation official noted that in the near future, they anticipate more schools kids taking up the sport, which will lead to more players for the clubs and the U-17 and U-19 national teams. To Kamanda, for the national teams, it doesn’t only mean more players, “The more children taking up the sport, the more teachers involved, which helps to create a larger audience (for the sport) and hence increased fan base”.
