Leemisa Thuseho

THE Federation of Lesotho Rugby (FLR) and the South African Rugby Union (SARU) have signed agreements that to boost the development of rugby in the Mountain Kingdom.

The agreements were reached during the FLR’s meeting with SARU in Cape Town South Africa last week. The meeting was also attended by representatives from World Rugby and Rugby Africa.

Lesotho was represented by FLR secretary general, Litšitso Motšeremeli and the association’s treasurer, Realeboha Segoete.

Speaking to the Sunday Express, Motšeremeli said one of the agreements was that Lesotho would participate in South Africa’s inter-provincial annual school tournament.

“The two federations have agreed that our under-18 team will be part of SARU’s inter-provincial annual tournament starting next year,” Motšeremeli said.

“The other good news is that we will have a 15-aside men’s team competing in one big cup tournament to be introduced next year in South Africa. That will be an annual cup consisting of teams from Zimbabwe, Georgia, South Africa and other overseas countries.

“This will be a good opportunity for our players to compete professionally and enjoy good facilities which we don’t have in Lesotho.”

The meeting also agreed that Lesotho would select a women’s team to participate in the Free State Rugby League on full time basis. The arrangement will start this year.

The national team sevens’ team will also be invited for some competitions in South Africa.

According to Motšeremeli, Lesotho and South Africa will start collaborating in coaching, refereeing, administrative and developmental programmes.

“South Africa has also pledged to help us train coaches, referees while also sharing their developmental programmes. Our referees will also be seen refereeing in South Africa. Their referees can also come and officiate in Lesotho.

“SARU and Rugby Africa promised to help us get our World Rugby membership application processed and we are hoping for the best,” Motšeremeli said.