British High Commissioner to Rwanda, Omar Daair OBE, has presented a donation of rugby kits and equipment to the Rwanda Rugby Federation in a move to further strengthen the sport’s development in the country.
It comes five months ahead of his exit from the country for his next diplomatic posting.
The presentation took place during a training program for Primary School teachers, funded by the UK-based charity “Friends of Rwandan Rugby”, where he participated.
The rugby kits and equipment provided included uniforms, balls, and other necessary gear. This donation is expected to directly benefit the primary school teachers participating in the training program, equipping them with the resources to introduce and teach rugby to their students.
However, this will be one of High Commissioner Daair’s last official engagements in Rwanda, as he is set to transfer to another diplomatic service appointment in the coming months.
Stepping in to succeed Daair as the new British High Commissioner to the Republic of Rwanda is Ms. Alison Thorpe. Ms. Thorpe is expected to take up her new role during September 2024.
Omar Daair was appointed as the British High Commissioner to Rwanda and non-resident Ambassador to Burundi in January 2021, and started the role in July of the same year. His presence at the event underscored the British government’s commitment to supporting the growth of rugby in Rwanda.
The training program funded by the Friends of Rwandan Rugby charity aims to upskill primary school teachers in rugby coaching, with the goal of integrating the sport into school curriculums nationwide.
This aligns with the Rwandan government’s broader efforts to promote sports development and encourage active lifestyles among the country’s youth.
With the support of the British High Commission, and the commitment of local partners, the Rwanda Rugby Federation is confident that this latest investment in equipment and teacher training will help drive a rugby revolution across Rwanda in the years to come, even as High Commissioner Daair prepares to depart for his next diplomatic posting.
