The Tanzania Rugby Union (TRU) is modelling its structures and systems after those of the Kenya Rugby Union in a bid to grow the sport in the country. However, their performance in rugby has not been as robust as anticipated.According to the Union’s secretary, Anthony Dawa, the country is expected to kick off its local 7s circuit in May, aiming to spread the rugby gospel across the country to attract as many youths as possible. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8063151##Rugby in Tanzania is mostly played in international schools, a perception Dawa and the team are keen on demystifying.Despite the challenges, Dawa was pleased with the strides made by the TRU over the years, noting that the best was yet to come. So far, the number of men’s teams in Tanzania has grown from three to 11, while the women boast five rugby teams. TRU was also recognized by Rugby Africa and World Rugby as a rugby-playing union.Dawa noted that this recognition solidified their position within the African rugby family, opening doors to further collaboration, competitions, and developmental opportunities.“We plan to begin our local 7s circuit in May. We look forward to Tanzania reaching the level of competition that Kenya is at the moment, but first, they have to grow and spread the game across the country, which is mostly played in international schools. However, we are proud of the progress TRU has made in the past three years, which includes being registered and recognized by the Ministry of Sports in Tanzania,” Dawa offered.CAF CC: Zamalek cut short Dream FC’s fairytale, set to face Berkane in the finalHis sentiments were echoed by TRU head of women’s rugby, Fatma Elkindy, who noted that they were on the right path to starting the first Tanzania Rugby women’s national team. Elkindy, who is part of the Unstoppable African Women in Rugby, pointed out that they aim to match the standards of the Kenya Lionesses.“I am proud of the growth of the women’s game in Tanzania. I took the initiative, going from having no women actively playing rugby in Tanzania to now having five teams which play against each other competitively. The ladies look up to the Kenya Lionesses for inspiration. Hopefully, we will have the first Tanzania Rugby women’s national team soon,” she averred.At the same time, the TRU, together with organizers of the Watamu Beach Rugby Festival, is set to organize an East African beach rugby series, which will involve beach rugby festivals in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as a circuit.Speaking to Mozzart Sport, Coastal Region Rugby Development Officer (RDO) Leon Lubang’a noted that the series would recognize the unrealized potential of the Coastal region’s beaches as not only recreation areas but also platforms for the rise of a new sporting culture. Lubang’a also doubles up as the Watamu Festival director.This comes on the heels of a successful Malindi Beach Rugby Festival that happened in September 2023 at the Buntwani Waterfront Park.“We are planning to host a beach rugby festival in Dar es Salaam as part of an ambitious plan to have an East African beach rugby series,” Lubang’a disclosed.The Watamu Beach Rugby Festival will be held from June 8–9 at the Aquarius Beach in Watamu, Kilifi County, marking its long-awaited comeback after seven years.TP Mazembe’s coach condemns Kenyan referee’s “bias” after CAF Champions League defeat
