Rugby Afrique President Herbert Mensah believes Ugandan rugby is poised for significant growth following recent successes on the continent and internationally.
Mensah, who paid a courtesy visit to the Rugby Cranes today at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, during their captain’s run ahead of the Rugby Africa Cup fifth-place semifinal against Burkina Faso tomorrow, expressed optimism about the sport’s direction.
“We see the emergence of Uganda as a giant. Ugandan rugby is doing so well at the Challenger Series, winning the sevens in Africa, and also came to Ghana and won the African Games, so they have set a mark. We are now onto the 15s, and this year is a precursor for next year. It’s a preparation for the World Cup qualifier,” Mensah stated.
Mensah, who took office early last year after previously serving as Ghana Rugby Union President in 2014, commended Uganda’s efforts in hosting the tournament.
“The hosting of this tournament is a first. Rugby Afrique has never done it like this before. We have the best eight teams in Africa assembled here to play rugby. World Rugby has been watching to see how Uganda would perform hosting, and we have seen a high level of organization,” Mensah added.
Regarding the level of competition, Mensah highlighted the recent growth in the sport. “The first day saw a high level of competition, and the gap between the 1st and 8th ranked teams is very small. I believe that sport is big business, and you need partners to develop the sport. We will bring back the tournament next year, and I know it will be bigger and better.”
Rugby Afrique, founded in 1986, features 37 member unions and is mandated to promote, develop, and organize rugby in Africa.
