Tanzania rugby chair unveils plans to shape the sport

Tanzania Rugby Union (TRU) has outlined massive plans to grow the game in the country.

This comes less than a fortnight after the TRU announced the appointment of South Coast Pirates head coach Kevin Amiani to head their coaching staff.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport, TRU Chairperson Jacob Jona revealed that it will no longer be business as usual as plans to shape rugby in the country kickoff.

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According to the chairman, part of their long-term goal of ensuring they compete with distinction on the global stage was organizing friendlies with other countries.

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Their first friendly was against Welsh Side Bryncenthin RFC where Tanzania XV Select lost 17-7 on May 28 at the University of Dar es Salaam.

“Our arms are wide open to anyone/country that wants to come and share their experience with us through friendly matches, hatubagui (we do not discriminate),” the chairman said with a lace of Swahili influence that enlivened his English expressions.

According to Jona, they aim at registering at least 22 clubs by the end of 2026. So far, since last year, TRU has registered 10 men’s clubs and four women’s clubs.

“We want to at least have 22 clubs by (2022 end of 2026) that will entail development for age grade and women senior teams that can feed the national teams. We have 10 clubs for men and 4 clubs for women as of now,” he disclosed.

Jona envisions a future where Tanzania will set the trend for not only Africa but also the world.

“Our long-term goal is to have a competitive rugby nation with a regional reach and sports trendsetters both on and off the pitch. We are aiming to be the next hub of Rugby in Africa and the world,” he noted.

Recently, the TRU appointed South Coast Pirates head coach Amiani to spearhead their coaching unit.

Having led the Pirates to two Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) championship semifinals and with Level 11 certification, it is now a matter of when and not if their dream is feasible.