Over 600 boys and girls aged nine to 18 took part in the Stuart Dowsett Memorial Rugby Tournament held at Tatu Primary School in Tatu City, bringing the spirit of grassroots rugby to life with lively cheers and team chants.
The annual event, organised by the Shamas Rugby Foundation and supported by Brussels Barbarians RFC Celtic (BBRFC Celtic), celebrated the legacy of the late Stuart Dowsett, who served as BBRFC Celtic president from 2006 to 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.
“The passion and potential we 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,” said executive vice president of Tatu City, Solomon Mahinda.
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.
“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,” remarked head of programmes and rugby life skills at Shamas Rugby Foundation, Joseph Otieno Api.
The event was made possible through a strategic 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 club has contributed over €28,000 towards Shamas’ rugby and life skills projects, demonstrating 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 initiatives that prepare them for long-term success.
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, the programme 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
