Masha: The captain of the week

Name : Marie Claire Vwase a.k.a Masha

Age: 27 years old

Club: Lions de Fer

Hobbies: Sport and watch movies

Favorite song: Quand on est en amour, Patrick Normand

Animal: Tapir (We don’t know what is it)  

How many rugby teams have you played for in Rwanda ?

In Rwanda, I officially play for Lions de Fer other than that I have always played in teams at school and participated in interscholar games. Before joining Lions de Fer I was playing for Rugby national team.

How would you describe the development of female rugby in Rwanda ?

The development of female rugby in Rwanda is still low. The girls have the mentality that the game is about fighting. Comparing to boys we are still not competitive. We have a long way to go.

Does the team or the Rwandan federation of rugby contribute to the development of female rugby ?

The government of Rwanda tries to encourage women to love sports but I would say that the Rwandan federation of rugby also tries to support the womens rugby by orgnizing competion although their not enough.  Comparing to men in Rugby, we are not helped on the same level. Last year on women’s day federation organized games but there are no games for the national female team. That’s why it is hard to inspire more women to play rugby because we hardly get games to play at the national team level.

As the captain of Lions de Fer female team, what do you suggest to increase the number of rugby female players in your team or in the national team in general ?

What I do is I encourage girls to love rugby. I put very much effort to be a good example and inspire women and my efforts will work eventually. I visited two teams in Ruhengeri and we played together. They are motivated to play. The only thing missing is the encouragement .

If you get choosen as the female representatIVE of the Rwandan female Rugby what would be your motivations ?

First of all, I would create an association of every female that has ever played or interested in Rugby. Also organize games (tournament) atleast once for four months.

Rwanda Rugby

The Rwanda Rugby Federation (RRF) as the umbrella organisation that unites the entire rugby fraternity in Rwanda. RRF has been administering, developing and generally organising all rugby activities for 13 years now, not only through out Rwanda but on the continental level as well. The RRF has since grown further countrywide with over 600 active players, 60 female players, a robust fun club, ardent well wishers and intensive involvement in the development of the game in over 70 schools from all districts in Rwanda not to mention the RRF’s participation in community projects.

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