Rwanda Hosts 2024 Rugby Growth Conference Africa: Empowering Rugby Unions Across the Continent
Rwanda successfully hosted the 2024 Rugby Growth Conference Africa, organized by World Rugby in partnership with Rugby Africa and the Rwanda Rugby Federation (RRF). The event, held from August 28th to September 1st, brought together representatives from 15 African rugby unions to discuss strategies for the sustainable development of rugby across the continent.
Pre-Conference Activities.
Prior to the conference, a delegation from World Rugby, including Regional Partnerships Manager Coralie van den Berg, Rugby Africa General Secretary Jurie Roux, Executive Assistant Soulaimane Takarli, Senior Communication Advisor Nicole Vervelde, and Training and Education Manager Robert Bwali, visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to honor the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The group also visited Amahoro Stadium to assess its potential for hosting international rugby competitions.
The visit concluded with a press conference at the Ministry of Sports, where Coralie van den Berg explained the purpose and the expected outcomes from The 2024 Growth Conference Africa and shared her positive impressions of the day’s events and Rwanda’s potential as a host for future international tournaments.
Key Objectives and Focus Areas
The 2024 Rugby Growth Conference is a unique platform for African rugby leaders and officials to engage in critical workshops and discussions aimed at building capacity in key areas such as strategic planning, participation development, and the overall growth of the sport in Africa. Delegates from Algeria, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Eswatini, Ghana, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, and the host nation Rwanda participated.
The conference was structured around two core workshops:
- Union Management Program – This workshop equipped participants with strategic models, governance frameworks, and practical tools to strengthen their respective rugby unions.
- Participation Workshop – Focusing on sustainable growth strategies, the sessions covered grassroots programs, player development pathways, and community engagement. These sessions aimed to enhance the capacity of rugby administrators and leaders in managing growth, securing funding, and driving participation at all levels.
Participants in Conference. 
Group work
Distinguished Guests and Opening Ceremony
The conference’s opening ceremony featured high-profile officials, including:
- Hon. Richard Nyirishema, Minister of Sports
- Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa
- Coralie Van Den Berg, Regional Partnerships Manager for Africa at World Rugby.
- Alice Umulinga, President of Rwanda National Olympic Sports Committee
- Dan James, Representative of the UK High Commissioner
- Jurie Roux, General Secretary of Rugby Africa.
- Tharcisse Kamanda, President of Rwanda Rugby Federation.
In his opening remarks, Rwanda Rugby Federation President Tharcisse Kamanda expressed gratitude to all contributors who made the event possible. He also formally introduced the distinguished guests and participants.
Coralie Van Den Berg emphasized the importance of building sustainable pathways for rugby development across the continent. She highlighted the role of partnerships, leadership training, and the sharing of success stories in elevating the game at all levels in Africa.
Herbert Mensah delivered an inspiring speech, underscoring the critical role of visionary leadership in driving rugby’s growth and positioning Africa as a global force in the sport. He thanked World Rugby the main organizer, the Ministry of Sports, the Rwanda Convention Bureau and the Rwanda Rugby Federation for hosting such a pivotal event.
Hon. Minister Richard Nyirishema praised the selection of Rwanda as the host nation and reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to developing local rugby talent and enhancing the country’s sports infrastructure, including state-of-the-art facilities such as Amahoro Stadium. He called for stronger partnerships to support coaching and referee training, as well as competitive opportunities for national teams. The Minister proudly acknowledged Rwanda’s recognition in the ‘Growth’ category by World Rugby and affirmed the country’s focus on advancing rugby and hosting future international events.
Workshops and Sessions
Participants engaged in interactive workshops covering a broad range of topics critical to the future of rugby in Africa. These included governance structures, income generation models, and safeguarding practices. One standout session introduced T1 Rugby, a new non-contact format that retains rugby’s core characteristics—scrums, lineouts, and breakdowns—while providing a fun and inclusive environment for players of all ages and abilities.
The conference also spotlighted successful initiatives such as Get Into Rugby 2.0, a program designed to introduce the game to as many people as possible. This program emphasized the role of rugby as a tool for social change and community building.
A Bright Future for African Rugby
The 2024 Rugby Growth Conference Africa was hailed as a resounding success. Delegates left with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration needed to continue developing rugby in their respective nations. The event highlighted the immense potential of African rugby, driven by talent, passion, and a shared strategic vision between World Rugby, Rugby Africa, and national unions.
With a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term development, the future of rugby in Africa shines brighter than ever.
In a gesture of appreciation, the Rwanda Rugby Federation presented farewell gifts to the esteemed guests, including World Rugby staff led by Coralie Van Den Berg, Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah, and Rugby Africa Secretary General Jurie Roux. The event concluded with fond memories and a strengthened bond among all participants, making it a truly memorable and impactful experience for everyone involved.