Leicester Tigers and global partner club Dendermonde Rugby Club are continuing to develop the club’s talent pathway, thanks to the prospect of a young 15 year old named Aimé Césaire Muhirwa.
Césaire has been under the watchful eye of Leicester Tigers first catching the attention of the club’s coaches at Tigers recent rugby camp in Belgium and has since been invited to visit England and train with the club’s academy teams.
The youngster will be a part of the club’s player development group – an extension of Tigers development player programme which helps to support young players’ progression both on and off the pitch.
Dendermonde RC have continued to build on their success as a club, claiming a third successive title in the Belgian Elite League. Césaire has been at the club since the age of six progressing in all junior divisions up to under-16.
Through Tigers' community and global strategy, the club looks to work closely with clubs, colleges and schools across the UK and internationally to support the development of young players. As part of his development, Dendermonde and Césaire selected Langley school in Norfolk for its excellent schooling and rugby facilities as well as its close proximity to Belgium.
Scott Clarke, head of community and global partnerships at Leicester Tigers, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome Césaire to Leicester Tigers and hopefully take the next steps to developing his talent here at the club.
“Our relationship with Dendermonde RFC started several years ago and has built up through regular Rugby Camps in Belgium and matchday visits to Welford Road.
The partnership allows us to identify local talent, but also help Dendermonde develop the game locally by building the awareness and excitement around the game and supporting the coaching and pathway for young talented players.
“Césaire showed real talent on a Tigers Camp at DRFC in 2016 and his recent visit to the Tigers academy in the UK showcased his potential. Langley School is an outstanding environment for him and will provide a unique opportunity for Césaire to develop his education on and off the pitch to the highest level and we wish him every success.”
Representatives from Dendermonde also wished Césaire good luck, saying: “We are very proud that Césaire has been given these opportunities and we wish him all the best for his future in the UK, knowing that he will always be a member of Dendermonde Rugby Club”
