Major Sponsorship Deal with TRU
NGE Maendeleo has recommitted to Rugby development in Tanzania this week, announcing a major sponsorship program of the TRU worth 140 million TZS. NGE are a partnering organisation with the Scorpions, helping to develop our Long-Term Rugby Development strategy in East Africa and the Great Lakes sub-Region. The program confirms Scorpions status as the number one supporter of Tanzania Rugby.
The sponsorship was unveiled by NGE Director Philip Walsh last night January 5th on the monthly Scorpions Executive Committee call.
Tanzania is seeking recognition from Rugby Africa and need to complete several development steps before reapplying for their recognition. NGE have also announced their intent to host the Morgan Moshi Memorial 10s tournament in memory of Morgan Amani. The 10s tournament will serve as a development opportunity for new Rugby Union clubs that have formed over the last 12 months with the assistance of Scorpions development officers.
The investment covers a chunk of the rugby union’s calendar Including; The ongoing XV aside matches, Morgan Moshi 10s Tournament, a yet to be announced 1st Full Tanzania team against a touring opposition, a tour to Uganda or Kenya to compete in a 7s tournament, as well as other supports including full kits for new clubs, transport, logistical assistance and marketing.
Release of the full funding is dependent on the TRU meeting strategic Key Performance Indicators over the calendar year. NGE Maendeleo will take on the title sponsor of the National team while also seeking to partner with a beverage sponsor for the various properties it has committed to support.
Philip Walsh, NGE Maendeleo Director
“Our partnership with Tanzania Rugby has been quite a journey so far, the development over the past 12 months from just two adult teams remaining in the country to now with multiple teams playing full XV a side games is remarkable. Like all journeys, this has had its fair share of ups and downs. Yet they fade in comparison to the highs we have experienced. NGE were delighted to sponsor the entire Referee workshop organised by the Scorpions last year and we were a key partner in the organisation of the first National 7s in December just past. We are committing to the Scorpions development strategy with an aim to get the TRU full recognition both by the National Sports Council and Rugby Africa. If we can achieve that goal over the next 12 months, it will be a major success for all.”
Jacob Karulama, TRU interim President
“This is a historic day for Tanzania Rugby. We have never had a partner that supported rugby in such a huge way in Tanzania. We have big ideas and hope to be able to achieve this year”
The Sponsorship breakdown is still being negotiated with a minimum of 6 million TZS dedicated specifically to the running of the Morgan Moshi Memorial 10s.
