BRIGHT FUTURE FOR GIRLS’ RUGBY: New page in school games as teams take part in maiden Sevens championship

Kenya Secondary School Sports Association Term Two A Games in Nyeri.
Priscilla Wambui of Moi Equator Girls High School Secondary with a ball tackled by Nduru Girls Secondary players Naomi Ngisa [right in red ] and Beatrice Magoi [left red], during the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association Term Two A Games rugby at Nyeri Complex Primary School as his teammate watches on 20 June 2015Nduru Girls won 32-0..PHOTO KIBATA KIHU/ STANDARD.

The future of Kenya's women rugby is bright; if the skills, potency and passion displayed by girls' teams at this year's Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) Term 2A national games in Nyeri is anything to go by.

Drawn from most parts of the country, the 16 girls' teams played their hearts out in an effort to convince KSSSA and the government that they deserve a place in the annual schools sports calendar.

Save for the Northern Region, which was unable to raise teams, all other regions were well represented. This was an indication that indeed, the sport had gained acceptance in women's sporting family. Metropolitan Region had Olympic Secondary School and Maono Educational Centre as its representatives. Olympic finished second, while Maono were third at the event.

Winners Barchando and Nduru Girls flew the Lake Region flag, while J.M Kariuki Secondary School and Nakuru Day proudly donned the Nakuru RFC jersey as they ably represented Mau Region. Nzoia Region had Porpoi Girls of West Pokot County and Mukumu Girls, who proved that they can indeed play rugby when given a chance.

Coast Region also had something to offer through their representatives Mghalu and Barani Schools; Highlands fielded Getero and St Loise. Hosts Aberdare stood in for Northern and fielded four teams; Muthambi, Mbogori, Daraja and Moi Equator Girls Secondary Schools.

With the help of the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) officials, who were conducting the exhibition matches, the girls learnt a lot and their growth was evident, what with some good ball handling artistry and pace from the wingers.

Despite being bundled out of the competition in the main cup quarters by Olympic, Nakuru Day was one of the teams that displayed excellent rugby skills. Their match against Olympic was the most entertaining due to outstanding rugby basics they had learned from the 2014 Kenya Cup champions Nakuru RFC, while Olympic acquired their skills by working closely with KRU Youth and Women development section.

KSSSA Secretary General David Ngugi, who paid close attention to the girls' matches, gave his approval, saying they had proved that they deserve inclusion in the annual calendar. "We play a huge role of feeding national teams in various sports disciplines. Name any big sports star and your will trace their roots to a school, the girls have proved their worth it will be unfair to leave them out."

Ngugi added that KSSSA will meet with KRU and the Government and other stakeholders in a bid to have the category included in next year's calendar.

KRU Director in charge of women and community rugby Paula Lanco was impressed with the demonstration event, saying it surpassed their expectations. "It was unbelievable to see a national outlook in girls' rugby. We expected fewer participants, but the girls proved us wrong. This has motivated us (KRU) to work harder and give more girls a chance to play rugby. We are counting on KSSSA to help us so we can together make it happen."

By Stephen Rutto 18 mins ago
Athletics
Kenyan stars ready for World Cross showdown in Belgrade
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Tanak urges Kenyan children to take up motorsports as a career
Rugby
SCHOOLS: From the classroom to the field, Kisumu Girls ready to lift national rugby trophy
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Neuville clinches Kasarani stage as Hyundai makes intention known