In a groundbreaking move, the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), in collaboration with World Rugby and with the support of the Ministry of Sports Development, has launched an initiative designed to accelerate the growth of rugby among girls in Nigeria.
This novel program, set to begin at the end of October, will focus on introducing rugby to secondary school girls across the six geopolitical zones of the country, as part of World Rugby’s global efforts to increase female participation in the sport.
Speaking about the initiative, NRFF President, Dr. Ademola Are, expressed excitement about the project’s potential to expand the sport’s reach among young girls. “Our goal is to get more girls involved in rugby, and this initiative from World Rugby couldn’t have come at a better time. It aligns perfectly with our strategy to engage secondary school students in the sport,” he said.
Dr. Are highlighted the NRFF’s ongoing commitment to grassroots development, noting the federation’s consistent involvement in the National Youth Games as a key platform for nurturing young talent. “We’ve ensured that rugby has a strong presence at the National Youth Games, which has been instrumental in developing the sport at the grassroots level. Now, with the Rugby Rising project, we aim to take this a step further by reaching into the nooks and crannies of the country, spreading the game to every corner.”
He emphasized the transformative power of rugby, stating, “Rugby has the potential to change lives. For the many young Nigerians, especially girls, this is a sport that can offer them more than just athletic skills—it provides opportunities that go beyond the field. We want these girls to see that rugby is not just a game, but a tool for personal and social development. With the Rugby Rising initiative, we’re hopeful they will embrace it.”
The project aims to engage 2,000 girls, inspiring them to take up rugby and become part of a global community of players, creating a pathway for talent development and offering new opportunities for young Nigerian girls. Through this initiative, NRFF and World Rugby are hoping to shape the future of women’s rugby in Nigeria, fostering a new generation of players who will carry the sport forward.
