Rwandans eye silverware on return to Hong Kong

Rwanda’s rugby players return to Hong Kong next week focused on winning a trophy to cap a remarkable 12 months for the sport in their country.

The Silverbacks will once again compete in the Altus Kowloon RugbyFest, the 10-a-side tournament in which they finished Plate runners-up a year ago.

They will also undertake another IRB coaching course and train with elite teams who will be in town for Hong Kong’s famous Rugby Week.

“Our first visit to Hong Kong in 2010 was very much an eye-opener and a steep learning curve for the boys,” said captain Djuma-Adams Mugabo, one of 11 players returning from last year.

“We are better prepared this time and now we know the standard required to compete with the best teams at RugbyFest. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Rwanda won admirers on and off the pitch during their first visit to Hong Kong – a historic trip that had huge benefits for rugby back in the East African country.

More young players have taken up the sport as a result of the positive publicity and playing kit and equipment donated by Hong Kong clubs has been put to good use.

Two of Scotland’s top coaches – former national team coach Frank Hadden and Scottish Rugby Union referee development manager Colin Brett – visited the country last November to conduct a series of clinics. The duo’s visit was organised by the famous Penguins Coaching Academy, which provides tuition clinics at rugby backwaters all over the world.

More good news arrived last month when the Rwandan Rugby Federation at last secured a home pitch, taking out a three-year lease on a playing field belonging to a school in the capital, Kigali.

“This is a huge step forward,” said Hong Kong-born rugby enthusiast and Rwanda volunteer worker Dave Hughes, organiser of the Silverbacks’ Hong Kong tours.

“Securing a dedicated pitch is a direct result of the expansion rugby is undergoing in Rwanda and the Hong Kong tours are driving this. With continued investment, we are putting in place development programmes designed to give the game a solid base and build it up from the grassroots.”

One player who has benefited directly from last year’s Hong Kong trip is captain Mugabo, who grew up homeless on the streets of Kigali, selling cigarettes for a living, before taking up rugby.

An anonymous benefactor who read his inspiring tale stepped forward to fund his further education, meaning the Silverbacks skipper was able to start college last September.

The five newcomers to the Rwandan squad for this year’s tour are Jean-Baptist Itanzi, Felix Nsengimana, Sylvain Nkurunziza, Kevin Makmot and Enock Muhire. “The tour is due reward for the commitment and enthusiasm these young players have shown and it will be a fantastic rugby and cultural experience for them,” added Hughes.

The Silverbacks’ 2011 tour is being funded by the sponsorship from CB Richard Ellis, G4s, Woodland Pre-Schools and Emboss Capital.

“Once again the Hong Kong rugby community has been extremely generous and welcoming,” said Hughes. “Numerous companies and individuals are contributing to make the tour happen.”

The Altus Kowloon RugbyFest will take place at King’s Park on Wednesday 23 March and will feature 16 teams from around the world. After playing in the tournament, the Rwandan squad will once again be spectators at the famous Hong Kong Sevens from 25-27 March.

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Released on behalf of the Rwandan Silverbacks by Two Up Front – Asia's sports PR specialists.