MBABANE – A step in the right direction for the ERU!
The Eswatini Rugby Union (ERU) welcomed a significant boost to its development efforts over the past weekend, as Rugby Africa Regional Game Growth Manager Robert Bwali paid an official visit on behalf of Rugby Africa and World Rugby.
Arriving in the country on Friday, Bwali’s trip emphasised a growing partnership aimed at expanding rugby’s footprint in the kingdom.
Saturday’s highlight was a T1 Rugby coaching workshop delivered by Bwali to 22 enthusiastic participants at the Malkerns Country Club. T1 represents a fresh and exhilarating addition to the rugby family, sitting alongside the traditional 15s and Sevens formats.
This non-contact variant retains all the core elements of the sport – running, passing and evasion – while eliminating physical tackling, making it an ideal vehicle for grassroots growth.
ERU President Bandile ‘Samba’ Vilakati hailed T1 as a perfect fit for local needs. “What better format to introduce in our schools and development centres than one that is as fun as it is competitive?” he remarked.
He added that it hones the critical skills required for elite performance, aligning seamlessly with the ERU’s emphasis on fundamental techniques. Lifted by the workshop’s success, the ERU has committed to bold investment in T1 competitions across schools and development centres starting in 2026.
Vilakati shared that this move promises to inject new energy into youth programmes, producing a pipeline of skilled players ready for higher levels of the game.
The visit culminated on Sunday with in-depth discussions between Bwali, the ERU executive and the development team.
The session focused on governance structures and strategic initiatives, yielding productive outcomes that position the ERU on a robust path for sustainable rugby expansion in Eswatini.
Experts feel the engagement not only equips local coaches with cutting-edge tools, but also strengthens institutional frameworks, ensuring rugby’s long-term vitality in the kingdom.
The ERU president concluded by stating that, as T1 takes root, Eswatini’s rugby community looks set for an exciting era of inclusive and skilful growth.
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