A rugby team in East Africa proudly wore a new kit for its first game recently – with a little help from Dragons Rugby!
Duma RFC, from Tanzania, fielded a team for the first time ever in December and thanks to the Connect to Africa charity – that supports projects across Africa – they had a familiar look.
The game against Arusha Rhinos eventually saw the hosts run out narrow 31-24 victors, but it was rugby in Tanzania that was the true winner as the sport continues to grow.
“Everyone put huge effort into the game and played some excellent rugby,” said a spokesperson for Duma RFC.
“There was very little between the teams and could have gone to either team. The game was played in great spirit with the brotherhood and values of rugby present with the teams celebrating this big step together after the match.”
The new Duma club is made up of local Arusha boys, aged between 18 and 30, with varying levels of experience. Some have played in Kenya while others have come through the local rugby development programme.
Through Connect to Africa, Dragons donated a full set of match jerseys to the team while support from African Scorpions RFC and Railway Union RFC saw money raised to buy boots and medical kit.
Surplus funds have gone towards helping the club set up a gym for the team and to provide transport for players who live out of town.
The fixture between Duma RFC and Arusha Rhinos was the first where one of five new Tanzanian rugby teams has competed against one of the two more experienced teams in the country. More fixtures are set to follow.
To follow Duma RFC and their rugby journey search for them on facebook!
Good luck to all the players from everyone at Dragons Rugby.
There was very little between the teams and could have gone to either team... The game was played in great spirit with the brotherhood and values of rugby present with the teams celebrating this big step together after the match...
