More than 600 kids aged 9 to 18 gathered at Tatu Primary School for the Stuart Dowsett Memorial Rugby Tournament, bringing together young players from across Nairobi for a day of competitive rugby.
The tournament, organized by Shamas Rugby Foundation and funded by Brussels Barbarians Rugby Football Club Celtic, featured teams from Mathare, Kangemi, Korogocho, Kayole, Ngewe, Oaklands, and Mutundu competing across U11, U13, U15, and U18 categories.
Tatu City served as both host and primary sponsor through their Tatu Reach program. “Rugby is not just a sport—it’s a lifeline and a leadership training ground for hundreds of youth across Kenya,” said Solomon Mahinda, Executive Vice President of Tatu City.
The event honors Stuart Dowsett, former President of BBRFC Celtic (2006–2010). Joseph Otieno Api, Head of Programs at Shamas Rugby Foundation, noted that the tournament uses rugby to teach respect, resilience, and leadership skills.
BBRFC Celtic, based in Brussels, has supported Shamas for over a decade, contributing more than €28,000 to rugby and life skills programs. The club runs similar community outreach initiatives in Belgian schools.
Through Tatu Reach, over 3,000 students from public schools and informal settlements participate in rugby-led programs focused on education and employability skills.
Tournament Results:-
- U11 Boys: Tatu Primary 14, Mathare 7
- U11 Girls: Tatu Primary 21, Mathare 7
- U13 Girls: Tatu Primary 21, Oaklands 7
- U13 Boys: Tatu Primary 21, Mathare 14
- U15 Boys: Ngewe Primary 14, Tatu Primary 7
- U15 Girls: Tatu Primary 14, Ngewe Primary 7
- U18 Girls: Tatu Primary 21, Ngewe Primary 14
- U18 Boys: Tatu Primary 21, Mathare 7
The tournament demonstrated rugby’s role in community building and youth development across different Nairobi neighborhoods.
