…Calls for Stakeholder Support and Collaboration

President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Dr. Ademola Are, has charged participants of the recently concluded five-day intensive World Rugby technical and medical training course to apply the knowledge gained by empowering their local communities. The course, organized by World Rugby in collaboration with the NRFF, was aimed at equipping participants with the necessary skills to develop rugby at the grassroots level.

Speaking at the closing ceremony in Abuja, Dr. Are emphasized the importance of community engagement, particularly in reaching young people. “We have everything we need to make rugby the number one sport in Nigeria, but this can only be achieved with your support,” Dr. Are said. “This program is essential because it allows us to take the message of rugby to our communities, introduce the game to our people, and pass on the knowledge we’ve acquired to our youth.”

He further encouraged the participants to take ownership of the progress they’ve made, noting that they have now reached a level where some can serve as instructors and educators. “World Rugby may not need to send facilitators as often because many of you are now equipped to train others at various levels. Going forward, World Rugby will only need to supervise your progress, not guide you step by step.”

Dr. Are also highlighted the critical role of stakeholders in ensuring the continued growth of rugby in Nigeria, calling for their full collaboration and support. “We can’t do this alone. Your involvement is vital to sustaining and expanding the reach of rugby in Nigeria,” he stressed.

Bwali Robert, Game Growth Manager for Rugby Africa, and Denver Wannies, Regional Training Manager for Rugby Africa and World Rugby, praised the dedication of the participants. Wannies remarked, “With the skills and knowledge you’ve gained, there is no longer a need for regular external facilitators. You now have the capacity to train others, and our role will shift to supervision.” He noted that this is a significant step forward for Nigeria, positioning the country to take its place in global rugby.

Robert echoed these sentiments, adding that Nigeria has the potential to rise in global rugby rankings with the right approach and continuous efforts. “The passion and potential we’ve seen here indicate that Nigeria can climb the global rugby ladder, but it will require dedication, consistency, and the support of all stakeholders.”

The course, which covered both technical and medical aspects of rugby, is part of an ongoing effort by the NRFF and World Rugby to enhance the development of the sport in Nigeria. By empowering local instructors and medical staff, the Federation aims to create a sustainable framework for rugby growth across the country.

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