Rugby development: All set for Mitchez Open in Meru

Majority of the Kenyan rugby stars have for a long time been known to hail from the large Nyanza and Western talent basket and a few others scattered in other regions of the country.

However it’s been an uphill task to groom top level rugby talents from the Mount Kenya region, a scenario that may change in the coming years if what’s happening in matters of rugby development is anything to go by.

Kenya Rugby Union appointed rugby development officers for various regions in the country in a bid to grow more talent in all parts of Kenya.

Central Region rugby development officer Patrick Mwika has led the charge training primary school kids as well as high school juniors to ensure they grasp the basic rugby skills needed for the game at the top level.

And as preparations for the upcoming Kenya Secondary School games heat up, schools in the Mount Kenya region have been hot in heels trying to ensure their student’s are in pristine shape with a series of tournaments held in the region.

This weekend’s (25th -26th) Miathene Opens which will be hosted at Miathene Boys High School in Meru County will offer another opportunity for teams in the region to test themselves against the crème de la crème as schools battle it out in both Rugby 7s and 15s and Mwika opines this is the best way to prepare the teams.

“Our aim is to prepare teams for the Kenya Secondary school games which are around the corner so that coaches can have an idea of what they have at their disposal and also see where to improve.”

Mwika says the tournament which started mainly as rugby based has grown to accommodate other sports disciplines as they noted the gains made in rugby, with Miathene Boys High School reaching the Kenya Secondary School Games nationals in 2018.

“We have with time accommodated other sports because we noted they also needed a platform like the one rugby had. We have noted that with such tournaments in the region, our schools are performing better in sports and there are other tournaments that have come up as a result.” Said Mwika.

This year’s Mitchez Opens as it is commonly known will have games in rugby 7s and 15s for boys and girls, Hockey, Handball, Football, Volleyball, Basketball as well as other indoor games.

With the tournament rugby-biased, the organizers have also accommodated age grade tag rugby in their quest to grow rugby prospects from a young age.

“Rugby is easier if taught to young girls and boys. They understand the game more and of course grow in skill so that by the time they play in the national team or turn professional, they will be fully developed players.”