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Benin in action – In Benin, rugby activities are not lacking ! Whether it is on the ground or inside offices, rugby is highly visible and the number of new players is on the increase.

Since 2010, Rugby sans Frontières (Rugby without Borders) is growing in size in Cotonou – capital of the country – and its surroundings. Their desire is simply to enable children to play rugby despite the obvious lack of equipment and infrastructure.
Early in 2016, the association made a huge contribution of over 300 kg of equipment to 14 clubs of the region, including 2 women’s rugby clubs! Balls, shirts, studs, cones ; everything you need to play rugby.
It felt too good to be true and without delay the equipment was put to good use. Thanks to the partnership between Rugby without Borders and the Rugby Events Organization Committee in Benin, 14 clubs took part in a Sevens rugby tournament. The Swallows of Cotonou won the competition by beating the Dinosaurs of Porto-Novo on a score of 10 to 5.

On its part the Beninese Rugby Union, supported by the «National Fund for Recreation, Sports and Youth Activities» hosted a Referees Level 1 training course of. This 15-a-side rugby workshop  was led by Charles Yapo, Regional Development Officer for the Center and Western regions of the continent. 42 trainees, referees, trainers and players, came from all over the country and welcomed this training course with a lot of enthusiasm. All gathered in the big room of the auditorium Marius Francisco, belonging to the Beninese Olympic National Committee. The the basis of refereeing and rugby rules were reviewed indoors followed by a practical session on the field.

This training ended with a ceremony in the presence of the General Secretary of the Beninese Olympic National Committee and the representative of the “National Fund”’s Manager – sponsor of the event – as well as many journalists.

Photo credit : Rugby without Borders