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The head of Lesotho’s rugby federation was welcomed to Blackwood Rugby Club earlier this week as part of his two week-long visit to Wales.

Litsitso Motseremeli met with members of the rugby club, as well as Blackwood Town Council, during his visit on Tuesday October 15.

The club has had a long relationship with the rugby federation of Lesotho, which is a landlocked kingdom in southern Africa.

Over the years, the club has fundraised and collaborated with the federation. Back in 2014, a rugby sevens tournament was held at Glan yr Afon Park, with the goal of raising funds to help the federation to buy new equipment. 

John Hold, clerk of Blackwood Town Council, said the event was an important opportunity for the people of Blackwood to hear first hand the work Motseremeli does, alongside trustees of the academy, to support rugby in Lesotho. 

The Federation aims to “offer young girls and boys a chance to participate in rugby, whilst also supporting their health and wellbeing”.

The event was attended by Blackwood town mayor Rhys Mills, and Blackwood RFC chairman Richard Lewis, who presented Motseremeli with a silver plaque.

Motseremeli delivered a “passionate and moving” speech to councillors and event attendees, affirming the club’s commitment to supporting rugby in the African nation by raising money and donating equipment.

He also outlined the relationship between Wales and Lesotho, and was joined on the visit by Steve Lloyd, a trustee for the Lesotho Rugby Academy.

He said: “At the Lesotho Rugby Academy, we believe that rugby is more than just a sport. It’s a
tool for social change, and we’re committed to making a difference in the lives of the young boys
and girls we work with.

“Our mission is to empower vulnerable children and adolescents by providing them with education, life skills, and personal development opportunities.

“We use rugby as a means of promoting gender equality, good nutrition, and healthy lifestyles, including how to protect themselves from HIV-AIDS.”

As well as visiting Blackwood, Motseremeli is also visiting Cardiff and St Davids during his two-week visit to Wales.