NRFF Participates in World Rugby Growth Conference in RwandaThe Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) is currently participating in the 2024 Growth Conference organized by World Rugby in Kigali, Rwanda. Led by NRFF President Dr. Ademola Are, General Manager Azeez Ladipo, and Women’s Development officer; Wuraola Hussain,the Nigerian delegation joins other invited participants from across Africa at this significant event.
The conference aims to empower rugby unions across Africa, fostering sustainable development and expanding the sport throughout the continent.
It brings together delegates from 15 rugby unions, representing countries such as Algeria, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Eswatini, Ghana, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Rwanda, and Zambia.
The 2024 Growth Conference is structured around two main workshops: the Union Management Programme and the Participation Workshop.
The Union Management Programme equips participants with strategic models and tactical tools to enhance membership and growth.
Meanwhile, the Participation Workshop focuses on promoting the sustainable development of rugby through various initiatives tailored specifically for African rugby.
Rugby in Africa is on the rise, driven by a rich talent pool and a growing passion for the sport.
Highlighting the continent’s potential, South Africa’s Springboks secured their fourth victory at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Paris.
World Rugby has also recognized the expansion of the sport across Africa, with Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia being among the emerging nations showing significant growth in 2023.
Coralie Van Den Berg, Regional Partnerships Manager for Africa at World Rugby, emphasized the organization’s commitment to building sustainable pathways for rugby development in Africa.
“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.
With the support of Rugby Africa, the Rwanda Convention Bureau, the Rwanda Rugby Federation, and the Rwanda Ministry of Sport, the 2024 Growth Conference in Kigali aims to build capacity within unions, forge partnerships, secure government funding, and enhance social impact,” she stated.
Through their participation in this conference, the NRFF and other African rugby unions are committed to strengthening their capabilities, forming effective partnerships, and contributing to the overall growth and success of rugby across the continent.
