Nigeria Rugby Football Federation Launches 2010 Strategic plan

The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation,NRFF, has launched a comprehensive 2010 strategic plan.

The launch also included the inauguration of an expanded management council. This forms a critical part of the strategy to re-vitalise rugby in Nigeria.

At the occasion, Kayode Oguntayo, the NRFF Chief Eexcutive Officer stated that due to the immense requirements to develop rugby in Nigeria, the NRFF has decided to broaden The Executive Committee to cater for the various functions of running a world-class rugby federation.”

He added that the federation has brought people with managerial experience and knowledge to be assigned to the Executive Committee in areas of their expertise,adding that the gesture is to ensure smooth and effective running of the federation over the course of the year.

The council has been expanded to include management of key requirements such as Youth Rugby, Seniors Rugby, International Rugby, Refereeing Society and Coaching Institutions.

In terms of Youth Rugby, the NRFF has established the Rugby4Nigeria Foundation (R4N), a not for profit youth programme, to address all aspects of rugby youth development. The programme is designed to develop a sustainable rugby playing structure in Nigeria with the goal of sending a strong team to the Rio 2016 Olympics.

The NRFF also announced a comprehensive Domestic & International fixture list for the 2010 season. This will run nationwide from May to December and will include both old and new competitions. On the international front, the NRFF revealed plans to participate in leading global tournaments including the Amsterdam Sevens and Manchester Sevens.

In terms of refereeing and coaching, the NRFF have put in place plans to establish the Nigeria Referees Society,NRS, and the Nigeria Rugby Coaching Institute, NRCI.

Both institutes are to be aligned with the International Rugby Borad to ensure adoption of best practices in Nigeria. On this topic Kayode Oguntayo stated, “Refereeing and coaching are an integral part of a more professional NRFF.

It is therefore important for them to be autonomous and independent to ensure transparency. The 2010 structures being put in place are crucial to developing rugby in Nigeria.”