Twenty one rugby coaches and fifteen officials have completed a one day world Level 1 course organized by Rwanda National Rugby Federation (RRA) in collaboration with African Rugby Union.
The training held on Friday in the City of Kigali was facilitated by Ugandan Robert Bwali, the Rugby Africa game growth manager, while instructor John Bosco Muamba conducted the referee course.
One of the participants Shalom Kunesanukayo from 1000 Hills rugby club who benefited from the training expressed gratitude to the trainers and RRA saying that the course has definitely elevated her knowledge about the game.
“I thank the local rugby association [RRA] for organizing this training. On my part, this course will guide me as a coach to pay special attention to mistakes on the field” She noted adding that the training will help her to promote young talents, as part of the development and growth o f the game in Rwanda.
The president of the Rwanda Rugby Association, Mr. Tharcisse Kamanda thanked the participants for participating in the training aimed at improving the quality of sport in Rwanda.
He said, “The African Rugby Union helped us by giving us the instructors who came to guide our coaches and referees and we are also grateful, but I can’t say we have reached where we want to be because the journey is still going on”.
In addition, he urged the participants to put in practice what they’ve learned.
About the training, Mr. Robert Bwali noted, “I wouldn’t say they were at the highest level, but I found them interesting and not what I expected”.
“I urge the Rugby body in Rwanda to be close to the trainees, find them tools that will help them in their work and organize different competitions for them to take part so that what they have learned will not be in vain”
Currently, there are around 30 top-level referees in the country, while the number has reached 120 so far. In excess of 10 referees and 10 coaches have completed the world rugby second level training course while the RRA has set the target to train over 500 (coaches and referees).