TRT News

COMMUNITY TAG RUGBY EXHIBITION AT ROAN ANTELOPE RFC

on Aug 11 in Events, News, Zambia tagged by Martin TRT

DHL SPONSORED 7s TOURNAMENT ON 6TH AUGUST 2011

Tag Rugby was given two slots at the recently held Roan Antelope RFC DHL sponsored national 7s tournament which attracted all teams affiliated in the Zambia Rugby Union.

Kids that reside close to the rugby club most of them from Buteko & Mpelembe Basic schools came out in numbers to show the skills imparted on them by TRT Tour group which conducted coaching clinics them last month.

Due to limited resources kids from Bwananyina, Ndelela, and Roan & Chaisa basic schools could not make it to the rugby club as the schools are located far from the rugby club.

The first slot was at 09.00 before the tournament kicked off. The second slot was at lunch break (13.00 hrs) before a capacity spectator crowd of 500 which included the current ZRFU President Mr. Raj Karamachand a true friend and supporter of the charity since 2006.

Close to 40 kids with age group range from 10-14 were grouped in 4 teams of 10 Sad part there only 6 girls. Every kid present was given the opportunity to play.

At the same time ladies kit donated by Beccehamia RFC through Nigel Putner – who came to Zambia with the charity for the second time was presented to Green Eagles Rugby team based in Kabwe (formerly Broken Hill Rugby Club-was a strong rugby team in the 60s,70s,&
80s during the Zinc & Lead mining days) .

Kids were not left out as they all received TRT wrist bands each and outstanding players received black & white t-shirts courtesy of London Irish Community RFC supporters Club brought in by Ben Lee – TRT volunteer who toured Zambia for the first time.

With the impact left by the charity in Luanshya underprivileged township schools, the future for rugby is very bright and Roan Antelope Rugby Club will regain its lost glory days of being National 7s champions in the 80s & 90s when the mines run the rugby.

The exhibition prompted the sponsors DHL through its Business Development Executive Mr. Steven Raelly promise to partner with Tag Rugby Trust Zambia. A meeting will be arranged with his management on the way forward the company can assist the work of the
trust in promoting junior rugby Zambia as currently they are the official courier of the 2011 IRB World Cup to be held in New Zealand.

Special thanks to local TRT volunteers Mahatani, Irene & Karen for getting the kids to the rugby club and taking care of them throughout the day.

Finally, thanks to, Roan RFC Chairman Mike & Secretary Chungu & the committee for excellent organization of the tournament and accommodating the kids at the rugby club. Not forgetting Sandra (in red Gloucester shirt) former Secretary of Zambia Women’s Rugby
Union & Club captain Roan Rugby Club who came all the way from Kitwe to be part of the exhibition.

For your diary
3rd September 2011 – Tag Rugby Trainer Course for Sports Teachers & Volunteers @
Roan Rugby Club Luanshya

I salute you all
Mwamba Mofu Christopher
Volunteer ZRFU Copperbelt Schools & Tag Rugby Trust Country Coordinator