Rugby Development Takes Root in Kenyan Primary Schools
The game of rugby is gaining popularity in primary schools across Kenya thanks to the efforts of the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) in introducing tag rugby to lower learning levels. This initiative is aimed at demonstrating that rugby can be played safely without posing significant risks to young learners.
The KRU has piloted the program in over 200 primary schools, with the introduction of tag rugby in line with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The curriculum has made it possible to introduce the game of rugby even in classroom settings.
According to Ronald Okoth, the head of rugby development, the Damu Pevu 7s festivals, which will begin on April 26, 2023, are geared towards young children, and only primary schools will participate. Rugby is also being introduced outside urban areas, where it wasn’t previously popular. In Meru, for instance, over ten primary schools have started playing the game.
The introduction of rugby to young children means that they will have more experience with the game before joining secondary schools and universities. This is a significant departure from the previous situation where most players only learned about the game in high school.
By starting early, primary school children have ample time to learn and master the basic skills required for the game, such as running and passing.
According to Patrick Mwika, the Central Region Rugby Development officer, the initiative has already shown tremendous improvement in regions where rugby wasn’t popular before. He added that the quality of the game will continue to improve as the program is implemented across more primary schools in the country.
In conclusion, the KRU’s initiative to introduce tag rugby to primary schools is a game-changer that will help to grow the sport in Kenya.
The program’s success means that young children will have the opportunity to learn and develop their skills from an early age, and hopefully, this will translate to more accomplished players in the future.
Rugby Development Takes Root in Kenyan Primary Schools