Rugby Africa President Pushes for West African Growth at 2025 Heritage Cup

President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah, used the stage of the 2025 Rugby Heritage Cup clash between Ghana and Nigeria to deliver a powerful message on the future of rugby in West Africa.

Speaking after the fiercely contested match, he highlighted the region’s potential and the need for stronger structures to advance the sport.

A Call for More Competitive Rugby in West Africa

Addressing stakeholders moments after the final whistle, Mensah stressed the importance of regular high-level competition across the sub-region.

“I think it’s very important, you know, West Africa needs to be playing more Rugby. In East Africa, we have Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Zambia from East to southern, they’re playing regularly.”

He noted that consistent competition strengthens performance and builds the foundation for global progress. Reflecting on past eras and current developments, he added:

“It’s a sport that you need to be playing competitively at the highest level. In the old days, there was the trial Nations, today, we have the Heritage Cup and I think Ivory Coast are coming up to it. These are all top, top ranked teams in Africa.”

Mensah praised the quality of the Ghana–Nigeria showdown, describing it as a testament to Africa’s rising rugby standards.

“So you could see that the standard was very high, importantly, it was played in good spirit… and for me, it was a joy to watch.”

Nigeria, Ghana and the Emerging West African Powerhouses

The Rugby Africa president highlighted Nigeria’s vast sporting potential, noting that their population and ambition make them a sleeping giant in world rugby.

“Nigeria is a special country, there have 250 million people… once they settle and they get the in act in all that, they will be a powerhouse that nobody can compete with.”

He applauded the leadership of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation and praised both nations for fielding predominantly homegrown talent:

“You see today, the majority of the players from Ghana were local boys and the majority from Nigeria were local boys. You can really see the talent.”

Strengthening the Foundation: Schools, Systems and Governance

Mensah also drew attention to structural gaps holding West African rugby back. He called on education and sports ministries across the region to integrate rugby into school curricula – a practice already established in several African countries.

“I think they have the challenge, we do as well in Ghana, we are asking the Hon. Ministers of Education and Sports to put Rugby as part of the curriculum in schools… so that to get students coming through the system. They have been taught from a very young age, discipline, nutrition, fitness training and what is required for modal sports. That’s what is missing.”

A United West African Front

Looking ahead, Mensah proposed stronger collaboration among the region’s leading nations to accelerate progress.

“So in the time been, we got to get the President of Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Senegal—they’re the big nations in West Africa—coming together to play such matches and maybe putting one regional tournament. So that West Africa can also rise.”

His remarks not only celebrated the heritage and pride embedded in the Ghana–Nigeria rivalry but also charted a bold pathway for transforming West African rugby into a global force.