World Rugby Lauds Nigeria’s Growing Global Impact In T1 Rugby

World Rugby has commended Nigeria for its rising global impact in the development and adoption of T1 Rugby, highlighting the country as one of the emerging success stories in the non-contact format of the game.

In a pictorial release made available to the media, World Rugby listed Nigeria alongside countries such as England and the Netherlands as nations making significant progress in expanding T1 Rugby.

Nigeria was particularly praised for developing its own pool of certified World Rugby educators, a move that has reduced reliance on foreign experts and strengthened local capacity for training delivery. The country has also successfully organised face-to-face T1 Rugby courses for coaches and Physical Education teachers in Delta State, increased the number of clubs offering the sport, and boosted grassroots participation.

The global body further noted that sustained efforts to reassure parents about the safety and fun nature of T1 Rugby have improved acceptance among young players, leading to more children taking up the game.

Reacting to the recognition, President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Dr. Ademola Are, commended stakeholders for their collective contributions.

“This recognition is the result of the support from everyone involved. While we are not yet where we want to be, the positive signs give us confidence that we will reach our goals,” he said.

Also speaking, NRFF General Manager Azeez Ladipo described the commendation as validation of the federation’s steady progress.

“This is a testament to the level of growth we have achieved within a short period. With stronger support from both the private sector and government, we can accomplish even more,” Ladipo noted.

The NRFF continues to prioritise grassroots expansion through initiatives such as Rugby Rising Play Naija, which is creating new pathways—especially for the girl child—while encouraging more schools across the country to embrace T1 Rugby.