Leemisa Thuseho
THE Federation of Lesotho Rugby (FLR) technical advisor, Ronald Doyle, has unveiled an ambitious long-term blueprint to transform rugby in Lesotho, with grassroots development at the heart of plans to build competitive national teams.
Doyle, who joined the FLR late last year, has already begun implementing several development initiatives, including overseeing the country’s national Under-19 men’s 15-a-side team.
The side is currently competing in its first-ever international tournament, the 2026 Rhino Youth Sport Development Tournament in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, South Africa. The competition started on Tuesday and runs until 11 July.
Speaking to the Lesotho Times this week, Doyle, who is also managing the team, said preparations began with a squad of more than 60 players before it was trimmed to the final 24-member travelling squad.
He said participation in the Rhino tournament marks an important milestone in the team’s development, providing a valuable opportunity to assess the players’ progress against stronger opposition.
“I’m really interested to see what the boys will do. We have played some warm-up matches before, but the teams we’re going to play against are different,” Doyle said.
“So, I’m excited about the opportunity because it will help us see whether we can maintain the style of play that we want when facing tough opposition, whether we can keep our structure and defend well when we are put under pressure.”
Doyle said he had been encouraged by the abundance of rugby talent in Lesotho, adding that the federation’s long-term goal is to establish competitive teams across multiple age groups, beginning with children as young as six.
“Since arriving in Lesotho, I have learnt that there is a large pool of players waiting for an opportunity. There is an abundance of talent.
“We held trials for the Under-19 team and more than 60 players turned up. That shows there is plenty of interest and many boys are already playing rugby.
“At those trials, there were Under-14 and Under-15 players who unfortunately could not participate because we were preparing for an Under-19 tournament.
“Next year, we want to take Under-14, Under-15 and Under-19 teams to the same tournament. My plan is for players to start playing rugby from the age of six.”
He said strengthening partnerships with schools would be critical to creating a sustainable talent pipeline.
“We have to work with primary schools so that children start playing when they are six or seven years old. If we can implement those systems, then in five or 10 years we will be in a position to challenge teams that are already competing at a high level,” he said.
