The club was
founded in 1961 under the name of KITURO by Teddy LACROIX, President of the
Belgian Federation of Rugby for many years, and with the complicity of Haroun
TAZIEFF, volcanologist and rugby player. Haroun discovered and explored the
volcano Kituro in East Africa from where the club derived its name.
In 1969 the club became part of the Belgian Air Force sporting group, hence the
name of AVIA. This integration occurred under the sponsorship of General DONNAY,
a pilot and former England hero of the second World War and Amateur Rugby.
During this period Prince Philippe of Belgium was playing regularly rugby at
Kituro.
In 1992, due to restructuring and construction, the club must leave its original
ground located within the Belgian Air Force in Evere. Kituro was delighted to
find vacant facilities in Schaerbeek, whose authorities had a positive eye
towards diversification in terms of sport in the commune.
Kituro major achievements consisted of Belgian Champions in 1967 and 1996,
runners-up in 1995 and winners of the Belgian Cup in 1969, 1977, 1981, 1983 and
1993. Kituros' players always play a major role in the Belgian national team at
all levels, cadets (U17), juniors (U19) and seniors. The Juniors and Cadets have
been Belgian champions during several consecutive years from 1989 and 1996.
KITURO and
SCHAERBEEK are the organizers of two major international tournaments:
- Since 1971 the Francis Brunet tournament for seniors, dedicated to the late
master of the club
- Since 1973 the Tom Morris tournament for cadets, in memory of the founder
Kituro rugby school
The club is
structurally and numerically the largest club in Belgium. It has over 600
(check) members, including 450 (check) players. Children are welcome from the
age of 5 years old and Kituro has teams at all ages from super-poussin (U8) to
veteran (+35)
Kituro also has a
very successful women's team.
The success of the club is due to an excellent team of people who devote an
extraordinary amount of time to enable the club to function and create a very
sociable atmosphere.
KITURO has a reputation for cleanliness in the game and its strength lies mainly
in the speed and power of its players.
