Rugby Set to Become Regular Feature at African Games

Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah has announced that rugby will now be a regular feature at the African Games, following its debut at Accra in 2023. This decision marks a significant milestone for the sport, as the sevens format of rugby will be included in the African Games program for the first time since its inception in 1965. Mensah, a native of Ghana, confirmed that the upcoming Games, originally scheduled to commence on March 8, 2022, have been rescheduled due to the economic situation in the host country and delays in preparations. However, he emphasized that this delay does not signify the end of rugby's involvement in the African Games. "I am proud to say that our President, Nana Akufo-Addo, has played a pivotal role in the construction of a dedicated stadium for the Games, which is nearing completion," Mensah revealed in an interview with insidethegames. The inclusion of rugby in the African Games is a testament to the sport's growing popularity and recognition across the continent. Rugby sevens, a faster-paced and more dynamic version of the traditional 15-a-side game, has gained significant traction in recent years, particularly in Africa. Its inclusion in the African Games will provide a platform for African rugby players to showcase their skills and compete on a continental stage. The decision to include rugby in the African Games aligns with Rugby Africa's vision of promoting and developing the sport across the continent. As the governing body for rugby in Africa, Rugby Africa has been actively working towards expanding the reach of the sport and creating opportunities for African nations to participate in international competitions. Mensah expressed his gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for his support in building the dedicated stadium for the Games. This state-of-the-art facility will not only serve as a venue for the African Games but also as a hub for rugby development in Ghana and the wider African region. With rugby now becoming a regular feature at the African Games, the sport is poised to experience further growth and exposure in Africa. The inclusion of rugby sevens will undoubtedly attract more attention and interest from both players and fans alike. As the African Games continue to evolve and expand, the addition of rugby to its program signifies a positive step towards diversifying the range of sports represented at the event. This will not only enhance the overall appeal of the African Games but also contribute to the development of rugby as a major sporting discipline in Africa. In conclusion, the announcement that rugby will be a regular feature at the African Games is a significant milestone for the sport. The inclusion of rugby sevens in the Games program reflects the growing popularity and recognition of rugby in Africa. With the support of President Akufo-Addo and the completion of a dedicated stadium, rugby in Africa is set to thrive and provide exciting opportunities for players and fans across the continent.