NRFF to host rugby tournament to create awareness for sport in Nigeria

Mbagwu also added that NRFF was delighted that Rugby will make a return to the National Sports Festival in Edo State after a 10-year absence.

Addressing journalists at the weekend in Lagos on the sidelines of their Board meeting, NRFF (TheNRFF.com) president, Kelechukwu Mbagwu said the body decided to host the tournament to create more awareness for the sport in Nigeria as well as expose the players to test matches with top Rugby Nations in West Africa.

He promised that the federation will strive to host more international championships in 2020, adding that they were mapping out plans to reposition Rugby in Nigeria.

Mbagwu also added that NRFF was delighted that Rugby will make a return to the National Sports Festival in Edo State after a 10-year absence.

“The Black Stallions won the President Cup last year in Ghana and Rugby Africa gave Nigeria the nod to host this championship to boost Rugby development in the country. “The NRFF’s focus is to continue promoting Rugby in Nigeria this year and to this end, the Rugby Union League will kick off after the National Sports Festival. “I can assure you that plans are also in place to have Women's Rugby Sevens League and the Men's Sevens Circuit in the country.”

Speaking on former Technical Director, Ntiense Williams who was sacked last year, Mbagwu said, “We have received a letter from the Ministry of Sports to look into the matter and seek a way to resolve the issue. “But at this point, it should be brought to notice that Williams is an employee of NRFF and the body has the right to sack any of its staff found guilty of any misconduct. “Any issue regarding the former technical director will be discussed when the committee brings out its report. At this point Williams remains sacked,” he said.

(With Inputs from APO)