Oyo State Demonstrates Commitment with Schools’ Rugby Rising Competition

Oyo State Demonstrates Commitment with Schools’ Rugby Rising Competition

Oyo State has reinforced its dedication to grassroots sports development by hosting a schools’ rugby competition following the successful implementation of the Rugby Rising initiative.

The programme, a collaboration between World Rugby, Rugby Africa and the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), is focused on expanding participation in rugby, particularly among girls. Now active in about 20 states nationwide, including Oyo, the initiative seeks to promote inclusivity, develop clear talent pathways, and empower young players through structured training and competitive exposure.

Speaking at the event held at Adventist Heritage Academy in Ibadan, NRFF Development Officer and Rugby Rising Supervisor, Wuraola Hussain, reaffirmed the vision behind the project.

“The Rugby Rising initiative was established to make rugby truly inclusive, especially for girls,” she said. “We believe the future of rugby in Nigeria is very bright, and programmes like this will help unlock that potential.”

The competition served as a practical assessment of the students’ understanding and application of the game. Adventist Heritage Academy claimed top honours after impressive performances, while St. Paul Anglican School finished second and Oyo State Adventist Conference placed third.

Oyo State rugby coach, Shina Gbenle, expressed appreciation to the NRFF and the local rugby community for their continued support.

“With this solid foundation, Oyo State is on course to become a major hub for rugby excellence in the coming years,” he said.

The event underscores the growing momentum of Rugby Rising in the state. Officials revealed that about 40 students at Adventist Heritage Academy are already engaged in regular training sessions, with plans underway to extend the programme to more schools across Oyo State.