What the new BRU committee should address

NELSON DIRENG
Correspondent | Friday February 19, 2010 00:00

 The outgoing officials have done considerably well but there are a number of things they failed to tackle and these should be a priority for the new committee. One of the problems facing Botswana rugby is publicity.

The game has limited following in the country and this is attributed to lack of marketing. Measures need to be put in place to educate the public about the sport. Marketing rugby successfully and generating public interest in the sport will help in attracting sponsors.

Botswana rugby faces a continuity problem and there is need to ensure that a consistent team is selected. The national selectors come up with a different line-up each time and this affects the stability of the team.

A stable national Sevens and 15's side should be a priority in order to monitor players' performances. There should be development sides from primary school to feed the national team. This will ensure continuity.  The incoming BRU president should be assertive and come up with fresh strategies to take rugby forward. The new president should continue where the outgoing BRU boss, Dave Gilbert left regarding schools rugby. The number of schools that play rugby has increased tremendously over the years and this has to be sustained.

The new leader should spread the game to schools in the remote areas. National teams need more regional and continental practice matches if the Vultures are to grow and be competitive against international opponents. The new committee should revamp the local league and make it more competitive. This can be done by encouraging new clubs to join and getting sponsors.