Organized by World Rugby, the conference brings together delegates from 15 Rugby Unions across Africa.
KIGALI, Rwanda – The 2024 Growth Conference organized by World Rugby, (www.worldrugby.com), the international governing body of rugby, will take place in Kigali, Rwanda from Wednesday, August 28 to Saturday, August 31. The conference aims to empower Rugby unions across Africa, fostering the sustainable development and expansion of Rugby across the continent.
The 2024 Growth Conference will bring 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 capacity building programme is designed around two key workshops: the Union Management Programme and Participation Workshop. The Union Management Programme is designed to equip participants with strategic models and tactical tools across membership and growth categories. The Participation Workshop will focus on fostering the sustainable growth of the Game through development programs for African Rugby.
The four-day capacity-building conference, organized 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 organization that unites the entire Rugby fraternity in Rwanda, highlights the commitment of developing the game to a global audience, while nurturing the continent’s potential and elevating Rugby across Africa.
Rugby across Africa continues to expand, driven by an immense pool of talent and love for the sport. Emphasizing the continent’s potential, South Africa’s Springboks secured their fourth victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Paris. In addition, World Rugby spotlighted the expansion of Rugby across Africa, reporting Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing significant growth in rugby in 2023.
Scheduled speakers at the 2024 Growth Conference will include Steve Griffiths, National Referee Development Officer for England Rugby, Annelies Asca, Independent Consultant and World Rugby Educator, Greg Wood, Participation Programmes Manager at World Rugby and Ninette Kruyt, Women’s Participation Manager at World Rugby.
“Rwanda Rugby Federation is focused on using rugby as a powerful tool for social impact, we understand the sport’s positive influence on youth development and strengthening of our communities. We are honored to host the 2024 Growth Conference in partnership with World Rugby and Rugby Africa in Rwanda, with the assistance of the Rwanda Convention Bureau and the Ministry of Sport. It is a testament to our union’s dedication to advancing the game on all levels,” stated President of Rwanda Rugby Federation, Tharcisse Kamanda.
“World Rugby is committed to building sustainable pathways to develop rugby across Africa. By empowering communities, training leaders, and sharing success stories, we aim to elevate the game at every level. With the support of Rugby Africa, Rwanda Convention Bureau, Rwanda Rugby Federation, and the Rwanda Ministry of Sport, the 2024 Growth Conference in Kigali will build capacity and capability in the unions to forge partnerships, secure government funds, and amplify social impact,” expressed Regional Partnerships Manager for Africa at World Rugby, Coralie Van Den Berg.
“The 2024 Growth Conference provides us with the opportunity to support those who dedicate themselves to rugby. By investing in their development, we strengthen the individual unions and grow the game across the African continent. This partnership ensures that our leaders are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to build a vibrant rugby community that can thrive both locally and globally,“ stated by General Secretary of Rugby Africa, Jurie Roux.
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 globally. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
