Cuba is rich in many things, music, history, culture,
natural attractions and a population that passionately embraces a wide variety of sports , including Rugby Union. Unfortunately
there are also shortages of many things in Cuba and sporting equipment -
especially in the case of Rugby Union – can be hard to find.
Rugby has had a slow emergence in Cuba and it is
acknowledged that the first “official” team was formed at the University of
Havana 1992. It is well known that Che Guevara and his close friend Alberto
Granada both played in Argentina. Alberto subsequently became Cuban Rugby’s
first Patron and helped develop the sport where it had not been traditionally
played. It is now emerging and growing more strongly:
“Currently the National Rugby Development Group assumes practically
nationwide functions Cuban Rugby Union which is to govern the entity called
Rugby in Cuba, with the primary aim to continue expanding and developing all
the Rugby throughout the country, winning participants mainly from an early age
to create a solid foundation of continuity and permanence as a sport and
recreational option in the Cuban population, with the completion of
competitions and tournaments each year as the National Rugby 7s Tournament RBS
International-Havana Howlers 7's, Schools Rugby Festival, International
Festival of Rugby School, with particular attention to the strengthening of
ties with the IRB, regional organizations and federations of the area.”
Extract from Union
Cubana de Rugby Website,
http://www.rugby-cuba.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2&Itemid=3
After a visit to Cuba in 2011, Iain Calman (the author of
this article), Adam Sadil, Greg Sadil and Rowan Ward have been working to build
closer relationships with Cuba and Cubans. One key inititiative is seeking
donations of rugby gear – new or used – that can be donated to the junior
players in Cuba (see photos of the kids in their donated Australian jerseys). This
began with Rowan and Greg canvassing their contacts in the rugby community
primarily seeking donations but also working towards coordinating some type of
visit to play rugby in Cuba. The other initiative is the establishment of Cuba
Libre Tours promoting tourism via small group tours.
Their efforts are paying dividends, last year the Surfers Paradise Dolphins Rugby Union Club
responded very generously donating 6 bags of mixed gear including; jerseys,
boots, balls and other training equipment. In addition Wallabies player Benny Mowan
also donated a large amount of his own Wallabies kit.
The first “shipment” of donated rugby kit from the Surfers
Paradise Dolphins was taken as hand luggage by one of the first groups to visit
Cuba enjoying a holiday using an itinerary provided by Cuba Libre Tours. This
group carried six large kitbags of gear which was enthusiastically received,
and in typical Cuban style, the guys from Cuban Rugby made them all feel very
welcome.
They have also kept in touch indicating how much they have
appreciated not only the gear but the opportunity to build a strong
relationship between Australian and Cuban Rugby Union. Here is a brief excerpt
from a recent email message from Esmil the Junior Development Coach of Cuban
Rugby:
Greetings from Cuba Rugby family. How is the Australian rugby family?
And you and yours? Our club Indios Caribe follows increasing members: more
adolescents come to the rugby family. Of course we need to learn more every day
for meet their need as human beings and rugby players. Is a great challenge but
is wonderful to see them learning, running, enjoying, getting control of their
tempers (is another challenge) and staying far away from the bad side of the
street. Thanks always for help them. I wish we could organize a
tournament; even an informal one and you participate. Perhaps next year or the
other…or in the paradise. Ja, ja,ja
Their ongoing efforts have now resulted in Tuggeranong Valley Rugby Union, the Vikings
Club providing support by donating two full sets of jerseys and some
additional rugby shirts. These will be taken to Cuba by Adam Sadil and Iain
Calman next month when they head to Cuba to host another Cuba Libre Tour. Iain
and Adam will be visiting Cuba regularly hosting customised tours to this
amazing destination.
We would like to thank the Surfers Paradise Dolphins, Benny
Mowan and The Tuggeranong Vikings for their generosity and hope that we can
continue to build relationships with Cuba and Cuban Rugby.
