World Rugby Hails Nigeria As Global T1 Rugby Force, Ranks Country Alongside England
At a time when non-contact sport is redefining youth participation and safety standards worldwide, Nigeria is fast emerging as a global reference point in T1 Rugby development.
World Rugby has applauded Nigeria’s growing global impact in T1 Rugby, describing the country as one of the standout success stories in the fast-expanding non-contact format of the game.
In a recent pictorial release, the global governing body listed Nigeria alongside traditional rugby strongholds such as England and Netherlands as nations making significant strides in expanding T1 Rugby.
Nigeria earned special recognition for building its own pool of certified World Rugby educato a move that has reduced reliance on foreign experts while strengthening local training capacity.
The country has also organised face-to-face T1 Rugby courses for coaches and Physical Education teachers in Delta State, expanded the number of clubs offering the sport, and significantly boosted grassroots participation.
World Rugby further noted that deliberate efforts to reassure parents about the safety and fun elements of T1 Rugby have improved acceptance, encouraging more children to embrace the game.
Reacting to the commendation, President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Dr Ademola Are, described the recognition as a collective achievement.
“This recognition is the result of the support from everyone involved. While we are not yet where we want to be, the positive signs give us confidence that we will reach our goals,” he said.
NRFF General Manager, Azeez Ladipo, added that the commendation validates the federation’s steady growth trajectory, stressing that stronger government and private sector backing would accelerate progress.
The federation continues to deepen grassroots expansion through initiatives such as Rugby Rising Play Naija, creating new pathways, particularly for the girl child, and encouraging more schools nationwide to adopt T1 Rugby.
As Nigeria’s sporting footprint widens, the country’s T1 Rugby momentum signals more than participation growth; it reflects a structured, locally driven movement gaining global recognition.
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