By Amaechi Agbo
The three-day intensive World Rugby coaching, refereeing and medical course organised by the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) ended in Abuja on Saturday, with the federation’s President, Dr. Ademola Are, charging participants to return to their communities and put their newly acquired knowledge to work.
Are urged the coaches, referees and medical officers to become catalysts for the development of rugby in their respective states, stressing that the growth of the sport depends largely 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.”
Are also called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, saying a coordinated approach would help create a more sustainable structure for the development of the sport.
World Rugby East and Southern Africa Game Growth Manager, Robert Bwari, expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded by rugby in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of 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.”
About 80 participants registered for the three-day seminar and workshop, with the NRFF expecting the knowledge gained to have a significant impact on rugby development across the country.
The newly appointed NRFF Technical Director, Angulu Suleiman, commended the federation for the confidence reposed in him and urged the participants to take the next step in developing the sport.
He said the federation had set the 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 development of the sport and thanked the leadership for the confidence reposed in him.
Also speaking, NRFF board member and World Rugby-certified instructor, Wuraola Hussain, said the federation’s sustained investment in technical development would significantly impact the growth of rugby.
She said the participants were expected to take the knowledge acquired during the course back to their respective states and communities, where they would use it to develop the next generation of rugby coaches, referees and players.
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