Historic Burundi Tour signals new era for Tanzania rugby

TANZANIA: THE results may not have gone Tanzania’s way, but the journey to Burundi could prove to be one of the most significant chapters in the country’s rugby development.

For the first time in history, Tanzania’s men and women’s national rugby teams travelled together to represent the nation at an international tournament, underlining the Tanzania Rugby Union’s (TRU) commitment to building competitive teams and expanding the sport’s footprint across the region.

The gaud-nation tournament, which featured hosts Burundi alongside Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), provided far more than a test of results. It offered Tanzanian players invaluable international exposure, strengthened regional partnerships and laid another building block in the country’s long-term rugby ambitions.

According to TRU official Fatma El-Kindily, the historic tour demonstrated the Union’s determination to invest equally in both men and women’s rugby.

“For the first time in history, Tanzania’s men and women’s national rugby teams travelled together to represent the country at an international tournament. The achievement also reflects the remarkable revival of rugby after years of inactivity. It is a proud moment for Tanzanian rugby and a clear sign that the sport is moving in the right direction,” she said.

Throughout the competition, she attributed that both teams displayed determination, teamwork and resilience against experienced regional opponents while proudly flying the Tanzanian flag.

The women’s team faced Burundi and Uganda in the group stage but finished third after failing to register a victory.

The men’s side also endured a challenging campaign, drawing 0-0 with the Democratic Republic of Congo before suffering defeats to Uganda and Burundi to finish third in their group.

While the scorelines were disappointing, El-Kindily believes the experience will pay dividends.

“Despite these results, the participation has been an important part of the preparation of our national teams and has provided valuable international experience for our players,” she said.

“The Tanzania Rugby Union will continue building the teams and making improvements ahead of future competitions.”

The tour also extended beyond the playing field.

While in Burundi, the Tanzanian delegation paid a courtesy visit to Tanzania’s Ambassador to Burundi, Gelasius Gaspar Byakanwa, where they shared the progress made in developing rugby back home.

As a symbol of appreciation, the players presented the ambassador with an official Tanzania Rugby jersey.

Ambassador Byakanwa praised the steady growth of rugby in Tanzania and encouraged the teams to continue serving as ambassadors for the country through sport.

TRU is still awaiting the organisers’ official tournament report, but officials insist the visit achieved one of its main objectives, preparing the national teams for future international assignments.

The Burundi experience also fits into a much broader vision.

TRU Secretary Anthony Dawa insisted that the Union is implementing several initiatives aimed at raising the standard of rugby nationwide, chief among them the newly launched Tanzania Rugby National 7’s Circuit 2026.

The nationwide series is designed to create regular high-level competition while identifying and nurturing future strong national team players.

He said TRU has lined up another two key international assignments for the national sevens teams as part of its long-term development strategy.

After Burundi, he noted that the teams will first compete in Rwanda on August 29, before travelling to South Africa for the Obaro 7s Tournament on October 24–25.

According to TRU, participation in the tournaments is aimed at raising the standard of rugby in Tanzania, with the circuit serving as an important platform for player development, talent identification and preparation for future international competitions.

The circuit opened successfully in Dodoma in May, will continue in Dar es Salaam on August 15 before concluding with the Grand Finale in Arusha on December 12 this year.

According to Dawa, the circuit represents a landmark investment in the future of Tanzanian rugby.

“The Tanzania Rugby National 7’s Circuit is a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening, promoting and advancing rugby across the country,” he said.

“It brings together clubs from different regions, create more competitive opportunities and prepare players to represent Tanzania on regional and international stages.”

The inaugural tournament in Dodoma showcased the growing competitiveness of domestic rugby.

Iringa Wild Dogs RFC emerged champions after an unbeaten campaign, sealing the title with a commanding 24-0 victory over Kilimanjaro RFC in the final.

Kilimanjaro RFC finished runners-up, while Dar Cubs RFC claimed third place ahead of Ukonga Warriors RFC and hosts Dodoma Dragons RFC.

The event also featured international referees from Kenya, highlighting growing East African cooperation in rugby development.

Dawa said the success of the opening leg has increased momentum ahead of the Dar es Salaam and Arusha events.

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He also appealed to companies, institutions and development partners to support the circuit, noting that sponsorship will be crucial in expanding rugby’s reach across Tanzania while giving businesses greater visibility through sport.

For Tanzania Rugby Union, the Burundi tour and the National 7’s Circuit are closely linked. One provides international exposure, the other builds the domestic talent pipeline.

Together, they represent a clear strategy to strengthen the national teams, increase participation and establish Tanzania as an emerging force in African rugby.

Dawa insisted that the victories may still be ahead, but TRU believes the foundations are now firmly being laid.