NRFF Joins World Rugby Growth Conference in Rwanda
The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) is taking part in the 2024 Growth Conference hosted by World Rugby in Kigali, Rwanda. The Nigerian delegation, led by NRFF President Dr. Ademola Are, General Manager Azeez Ladipo, and Women’s Development Officer Wuraola Hussain, is among those representing Africa at this pivotal event.
The conference’s goal is to empower rugby unions across the continent, fostering sustainable development and broadening the sport’s reach. Delegates from 15 rugby unions are in attendance, including representatives from Algeria, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Eswatini, Ghana, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Rwanda, and Zambia.
The 2024 Growth Conference features two key workshops: the Union Management Programme and the Participation Workshop. The Union Management Programme provides participants with strategic models and tools to boost membership and growth. Meanwhile, the Participation Workshop focuses on advancing rugby through initiatives tailored to the African context.
Rugby’s popularity in Africa is increasing, bolstered by a wealth of talent and a growing enthusiasm for the sport. The success of South Africa’s Springboks, who won their fourth Rugby World Cup in Paris in 2023, underscores the continent’s potential.
World Rugby acknowledges the expanding footprint of the sport in Africa, with nations like Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia showing notable progress in 2023. Coralie Van Den Berg, Regional Partnerships Manager for Africa at World Rugby, highlighted the organization’s commitment to sustainable rugby development.
“World Rugby is dedicated to advancing rugby across Africa by empowering communities, training leaders, and sharing success stories. Our goal is to elevate the game at every level,” she said.
Supported by Rugby Africa, the Rwanda Convention Bureau, the Rwanda Rugby Federation, and the Rwanda Ministry of Sport, the 2024 Growth Conference aims to build capacity within unions, forge partnerships, secure government funding, and enhance the sport’s social impact.
Through their involvement, the NRFF and other African rugby unions are dedicated to strengthening their organizations, building effective partnerships, and contributing to the overall growth and success of rugby across the continent.