Abuja World Rugby Course Ends, NRFF Tasks Participants

The three-day World Rugby coaching, refereeing and medical course organised by the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) ended in Abuja on Saturday, with the federation charging participants to return to their communities and apply their new knowledge.

According to a statement by the media team, NRFF President Dr. Ademola Are urged the coaches, referees and medical officers to become catalysts for rugby development in their respective states, saying the sport’s growth depends on their commitment and expertise.

“Go back and impact your communities because rugby needs you. Without you, rugby cannot make headway. I also urge you to work with your respective state associations, sports councils and ministries of sports to grow the game and secure greater recognition for rugby,” he said.

Are also called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, noting that a coordinated approach would help create a more sustainable structure for rugby development.

World Rugby East and Southern Africa Game Growth Manager, Robert Bwari, expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s progress in coaching, refereeing and medical development.

“I am happy with the level Nigeria has attained in the last few years. Nigeria now has World Rugby educators who can train coaches and referees locally, meaning World Rugby does not always need to send educators here but can provide supervision, as we have done this time around.

The most encouraging part is that more coaches and referees are coming on board,” Bwari said.
About 80 participants registered for the seminar and workshop, which the NRFF expects to have a significant impact on rugby development across the country.

Newly appointed NRFF Technical Director, Angulu Suleiman, commended the federation for the confidence reposed in him and urged participants to take the next step in developing the sport.

He said the federation had set a benchmark through the training programme, adding that it was now the responsibility of the coaches, referees and medical officers to build on it and take rugby to the next level.

One of the six ambassadors appointed by the NRFF President, Lazarus Nuhu, commended the federation for its commitment to the sport and thanked its leadership for the confidence reposed in him.

NRFF board member and World Rugby-certified instructor, Wuraola Hussain, said the federation’s sustained investment in technical development would significantly impact rugby growth.

She said participants were expected to take the knowledge acquired during the course back to their states and communities, where they would use it to develop the next generation of rugby coaches, referees and players.