Arusha — On Saturday 7th November, rugby fans gathered at the Friedkin Recreation Centre to celebrate The Castle Rugby Festival. The festival demonstrated that rugby is still alive and kicking in Arusha, with a total of 16 teams battling it out to claim the winning titles. Players from all walks of life, including competitors from volunteer projects, community development programmes, local and international schools and fitness gyms from all over Northern Tanzania united for a day of sports and music.

The touch-rugby competition kicked off in the morning with twelve junior teams from Palloti Parish, Peace House Secondary School, Tanzania Flower Farm School, Mkombozi Moshi, St Constantines and Braeburn. St Constantines' were the stars of the tournament, winning both the Under 14 and Under 19, with Palloti Parish claiming second place for the Under 14s, and Peace House Secondary running up the Under 19s.

For the adults, 'Fanya Fujo' knocked out the 'Fitco' team, and stole the first place title, with 'Mujambazis' claiming third place, and The Blazers coming fourth. As the sun went down, players celebrated all their hard work to live music, performed by Warriors from the East and Nakaya.

The Castle Rugby Festival showcased the Arusha Rugby Development Programme, which has been working with local schools and NGOs to promote rugby within the Arusha community. Andre de Beer, head of rugby development in Arusha, says 'the programme aims to strengthen community relationships through sports development, using sports as a vehicle to encourage healthy lifestyles and supportive, positive and respectful relationships within the community.

'Already two of our junior players have represented Tanzania at the Nairobi 7s competition, which gives credit to the fantastic work that our coaches are doing. The Castle Rugby Festival has proved that rugby still has a strong foundation within the Arusha community, and we hope to continue to encourage this passion for sports.'

'We plan to expand in time for the 2010 season, and incorporate more primary and secondary schools into our programme. Any schools, projects or individuals who are interested in participating in the 2010 league, who need coaching assistance, or who could offer us some help, should feel free to contact me on arushairie@yahoo.com.'

The Arusha Rugby Development Programme would like to express their gratitude to all of the coaches for their dedication and commitment to the programme, the referees and the sponsors of the event; Castle Lager PetroSol, Knight Support, Big Time Promotions and the Friedkin Recreatiom Centre. The Arusha Rugby Development Programme aims to organise quarterly rugby festivals, with the next one planned for March. Watch this space!

The Castle Rugby Festival showcased the Arusha Rugby

Development Programme.