By Kwame Bediako
West African Rugby has officially inaugurated the Union of African Rugby Federations of West Africa (UFOAR) in Abidjan. The event took place at the Ibis Hotel, gathering key stakeholders from across the region to forge a new direction for rugby development.
The inauguration was attended by prominent figures such as Marcellan Zahoui, former President of Rugby Africa, and Charles Yapo, former Treasurer General of Rugby Africa, demonstrating a united commitment to elevating the sport in West Africa. Lukas Gnogbo Koré, elected as the first President of UFOAR, emphasized his vision for promoting rugby across the continent, positioning Côte d’Ivoire as the rugby capital of West Africa.
This nation holds a unique distinction as the only French-speaking West African country to have participated in a Rugby World Cup, making it a central player in the region’s rugby narrative. Koré and his team aim to bolster West Africa’s representation on the global rugby stage, especially as the sport continues to grow in other parts of Africa.
Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa, expressed gratitude towards those involved in forming UFOAR, calling it the start of a new era for West African rugby. “As sport is a big business, it is necessary for nations to come together, work with governments, raise funds, and create better opportunities for all,” he said.
With UFOAR now established, stakeholders will be closely watching how the initiative will lead to increased investment, structured development programs, and greater international participation for West African nations in future rugby tournaments.
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