The 2024 Rugby Growth Conference Highlights Grassroot Programs
Delegates from 15 Nations participated in a introductorysession to T1 Rugby, the world’s first non-contact sport that fully embodies the unique characteristics of rugby
KIGALI, Rwanda – Day Four of the 2024 Rugby Growth Conference organized by World Rugby, (www.worldrugby.com), the international governing body of rugby, emphasises the strong potential of Rugby across Africa focusing on fostering the sustainable growth of the Game through development programs in Kigali, Rwanda on Saturday, August 31.
Following the success of the earlier sessions, the 2024 Rugby Growth Conference continued its momentum. Delegates from 15 African Nations participated in a introductory session to T1 Rugby, developed by World Rugby in collaboration with several unions, is the world’s first non-contact sport that fully embodies the unique characteristics of rugby, including scrums, lineouts, and breakdowns. The session led by Greg Woods, Participation Programmes Manager of World Rugby,is designed to promote fun, fitness and inclusivity in a safe environment, making rugby accessible to a broader audience.
Day Three and Four of the conference marked the start of the Participation Workshop, the secondary segment of the Growth Conference following the conclusion of the Union Management Programme, on Wednesday, August 29. The Participation Workshop is specifically designed to equip participants with strategic models and tactical tools necessary for fostering the sustainable growth of rugby through targeted development programs.
Throughout the two days, delegates delved into various critical topics, including Participation Data Analysis, Good News Stories and Visibility, Safeguarding Awareness and Grassroot Programs. The sessions were aimed at providing union representatives with the knowledge and skills required to implement effective and inclusive rugby programs within their communities.
Emphasising Rugby’s commitment to community initiatives, delegates from Senegal Rugby Federation,(https://www.senegalrugby.com), and Cote d’Ivoire Rugby Federation presented successful community impact initiativesled by their Rugby Union. These presentations offered valuable insights into how rugby can be leveraged to drive social change and foster unity within communities across Africa.
The four-day capacity building conference, is 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. As the conference drew to a close on Saturday August 31 2024, the discussions and insights gained over these four days are expected to have a lasting impact on the future of rugby in Africa.
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.
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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.
