The 2024 Growth Conference brings together board members and delegates from 15 rugby unions across Africa
KIGALI, Rwanda –Today, duringthe Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Rugby Growth Conference organized by World Rugby, (www.worldrugby.com), the international governing body of rugby, the newly appointed Minister of Sports,Richard Nyirishema, welcomed President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah, World Rugby and Rwanda Rugby Federation. The opening ceremony took place at Sainte Famille Hotel on Thursday, August 29 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda.
Distinguished guests of the opening ceremony included President of Rwanda National Olympic Sports Committee, Alice Umulinga, UK High Commissioner, represented by Dan James, Regional Partnership Manager of Africa at World Rugby, Coralie Van Den Berg, President of Rwanda Rugby Federation, Tharcisse Kamanda and General Secretary of Rugby Africa, Jurie Roux.
The 2024 Growth Conference brings together board members and delegates from 15 rugby unions across Africa, representing countries such as Algeria, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Eswatini, Ghana, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Rwanda and Zambia. The conference aims to empower Rugby unions across Africa, fostering the sustainable development and expansion of Rugby across the continent.
Rwanda’s hosting of the 2024 Rugby Growth Conference symbolises the country’s commitment to expanding its presence on the international stage and its growing dedication to promoting rugby through conferences and tournaments. Starting from August 28, 2024 the four-day capacity building conference, organised by World Rugby, in partnership with Rugby Africa, (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body of Rugby across Africa and Rwanda Rugby Federation (RRF),(www.rwandarugby.com), the umbrella organisation that unites the entire Rugby fraternity in Rwanda, will end on August 31, 2024.
“Rwanda is committed to enhancing its sports infrastructure and hosting more rugby events in the future. Our state-of-the-art facilities, such as Amahoro Stadium, is a testament to our dedication. We invite you to visit us frequently and consider Rwanda for future rugby tournaments and conferences. Rwanda is proud to be categorized in the ‘Growth’ category by World Rugby. This recognition is a testament to our commitment and progress in developing the sport within our country. However, our journey does not stop here. We are eager to continue advancing and achieving even greater milestones,” stated by Minister of Sports, Richard Nyirishema.
“I express my thanks to the Rwanda Ministry of Sports, the Rwanda Convention Bureau, the Rwanda Rugby Federation and World Rugby for granting us the privilege of hosting this significant conference in Rwanda. Leadership is the cornerstone of sports; without visionary leadership, the growth and development of the game, both regionally and across the continent, are unattainable. The 2024 Rugby Growth Conference will equip delegates from 15 African nations with the essential tools to foster and expand the love for the game,” expressed by President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah.
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor
nicole.vervelde@rugbyafrique.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women’s rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
