In Summary
- 600 boys and girls aged 9 to 18 participated in the Stuart Dowsett Memorial Rugby Tournament in Tatu City
- BBRFC Celtic has supported the Shamas Rugby Foundation for over 10 years
- Over 3,000 students participate in rugby-led programmes
More than 600 boys and girls aged 9 to 18 gathered at Tatu
Primary School in Tatu City for the Stuart Dowsett Memorial Rugby Tournament, filling the rounds with cheers, chants, and the vibrant energy of grassroots rugby. The annual tournament, hosted by the Shamas Rugby Foundation and funded by the Brussels Barbarians Rugby Football Club Celtic (BBRFC Celtic), honoured the legacy of the late Stuart Dowsett, former President of BBRFC Celtic (2006–2010).
The tournament served as a powerful reminder of rugby’s role in uniting communities and empowering youth. Tatu City, the host of this year’s tournament and the largest financial supporter of Shamas Rugby Foundation, continues to amplify the foundation’s impact through
Its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programme, Tatu Reach.
Solomon Mahinda, Executive Vice President of Tatu City, said: “The passion and potential witnessed today is why we invest in programmes like this through Tatu Reach. Rugby is not just a sport—it’s a lifeline and a leadership training ground for hundreds of youth across Kenya. We are proud to stand with Shamas as they unlock opportunities for the next generation.”
Participating Centres
Children from Shamas centres in Mathare, Kangemi, Korogocho, Kayole, Ngewe, Oaklands, and Mutundu came together for a day of spirited competition across the U11, U13, U15, and U18 categories. The event showcased not only their rugby skills but also the sport’s power to build resilience, discipline, and teamwork.
Joseph Otieno Api, Head of Programs and Rugby Lifeskills at Shamas Rugby Foundation, said:
“This tournament is a celebration of growth, on and off the pitch. We use rugby as a tool to teach respect, resilience, and leadership. Watching our players take ownership of their game and support one another is a living tribute to Stuart Dowsett’s vision for youth development through sport.”
The event was made possible through the long-standing partnership between Shamas Rugby Foundation and BBRFC Celtic, an international rugby club based in Brussels, Belgium. The club is known not only for its rich rugby tradition but also for its strong community engagement. In Brussels, it runs outreach programmes in schools such as Collège Saint Michel, the European
School of Brussels and the British School of Brussels, introducing students to rugby through training sessions and stress-relief clinics.
In Kenya, BBRFC Celtic has supported Shamas Rugby Foundation for over 10 years, including a dedicated partnership with Orbit Children’s Home in Kayole. Through this collaboration, the C and life skills projects demonstrate a shared commitment to social transformation through sport.
Through Tatu Reach, Tatu City supports Shamas’ mission of promoting life skills, education, and employability among underprivileged children. Today, over 3,000 students from public schools and informal settlements around Tatu City participate in rugby-led programmes that prepare them for long-term success.
About Tatu Reach
Tatu Reach is Tatu City’s initiative aimed at building inclusive, resilient, and thriving
communities in and around the city. With over 15,000 beneficiaries to date, the program addresses key areas including education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, economic empowerment, and youth development through initiatives such as school support, medical camps, job training, and sports activities.
Final Match Highlights:
U11 Boys Champions: Tatu Primary beat Mathare 14–7
U11 Girls Champions: Tatu Primary won 21–7 over Mathare
U13 Girls Champions: Tatu Primary beat Oaklands 21–7
U13 Boys Champions: Tatu Primary beat Mathare 21–14
U15 Boys Champions: Ngewe Primary beat Tatu Primary 14–7
U15 Girls Champions: Tatu Primary beat Ngewe Primary 14–7
U18 Girls Champions: Tatu Primary won 21–14 over Ngewe Primary
U18 Boys Champions: Tatu Primary beat Mathare 21–7