Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) Vice President Technical, Elijah Kokoro, has hailed the successful introduction of Women’s 15s rugby as a landmark achievement in the development of the sport, following the country’s newly introduced Women’s 15s fixture between BDF Cheetahs Women and Jwaneng Rugby Club Women, this past weekend.
Speaking on the significance of the milestone, Kokoro said the introduction of Women’s 15s rugby represents the natural progression of the women’s game and reflects the growth, commitment, and potential of female rugby players across Botswana.
According to Kokoro, the move aligns Botswana’s women’s rugby structures with international standards and provides female athletes with greater opportunities to compete in the traditional format of the game. He said it also creates stronger pathways for player development, talent identification, and future national team representation at regional and international levels.
Kokoro noted that the transition to the 15-a-side format will expose players to a broader range of technical, tactical, and physical demands. He explained that the format allows athletes to develop position-specific skills, improve decision-making, and gain a deeper understanding of the game.
“The larger team structure allows more athletes to participate and specialise in different roles, which contributes to overall player growth,” said Kokoro. “Regular participation in 15s rugby will better prepare our athletes for regional and international competitions while raising the standard of women’s rugby throughout Botswana.”
Reflecting on the inaugural match, Kokoro said it provided encouraging signs that women’s rugby in Botswana is ready to embrace the 15s format. He noted that both teams displayed enthusiasm, commitment, and a willingness to adapt despite many players experiencing the demands of the format for the first time.
Positive performances were observed in areas such as teamwork, physicality, and game management, highlighting the potential within local clubs to sustain and expand the women’s game.
“The fixture demonstrated that there is sufficient interest and talent within our clubs to sustain and grow Women’s 15s rugby,” Kokoro said. “It also highlighted areas where further coaching and development can strengthen the game moving forward.”
Looking ahead, Kokoro outlined BRU’s long-term strategy to grow Women’s 15s rugby through increased participation, coaching development, and expanded competitive opportunities.
He said the union is working closely with clubs, schools, tertiary institutions, and community programmes to attract more girls and women to the sport. Through initiatives such as the Rugby Begins Beyond the Horizon (RBBH) programme, coaching and match official education, and regular competitions, BRU aims to establish a strong foundation for the women’s game.
The strategy also includes supporting clubs in building stronger women’s sections and increasing the visibility of women’s rugby through media engagement, community outreach initiatives, and strategic partnerships.
Kokoro emphasized that the successful introduction of Women’s 15s rugby is only the beginning of a broader vision to create a sustainable and competitive environment for female players.
“The launch of Women’s 15s rugby is a proud moment for Botswana Rugby Union and for rugby in the country as a whole,” he said. “It reflects the progress that has been made in developing the women’s game and provides exciting opportunities for future generations of female athletes.”
As Botswana embraces the traditional format of the sport, Kokoro believes the foundation has now been laid for the continued growth of women’s rugby and the emergence of players capable of competing on the regional and international stage.
