NRFF President Joins African Leaders to Drive Structural Reforms at 17th AGM in Kampala
The President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Dr. Ademola Are, joined fellow continental leaders at the 17th Annual General Assembly of Rugby Africa in Kampala, Uganda, where landmark decisions were taken to reshape the future of rugby across Africa.
The high-level gathering brought together Presidents and representatives of member unions to deliberate on key reforms aimed at strengthening governance, improving structures, and securing sustainable growth for the sport on the continent.
At the centre of the Assembly was the adoption of a “fit for purpose” Constitution designed to address modern federation challenges. The new framework reinforces Rugby Africa’s commitment to strong governance, safeguarding, environmental sustainability, and corporate responsibility, while upholding the core values of the game.
The Congress also produced new leadership appointments, with Kevin Venkiah, President of Mauritius Rugby Union, elected Treasurer of Rugby Africa, and Godwin Kayangwe, President of Uganda Rugby Union, elected as an Executive Committee Member.
Several constitutional amendments were approved, including clarification of the organisation’s official identity as “Rugby Africa,” updated address provisions, and the introduction of clearer definitions for key terms such as Constitution, General Assembly, Executive Committee, and Members. Outdated terminology was removed, and the distinction between calendar and working days was formalised, alongside the introduction of the term “Independent Member.”
The regional structure was also revised, replacing the former “Anglophone” and “Francophone” divisions with “North” and “South” groupings in alignment with global governance standards.
Meeting procedures were strengthened through clearer quorum requirements, formalised voting rights, standardised timelines for circulating agendas and minutes, and an established secondment process.
Organisational objectives were expanded to formally include environmental sustainability, safeguarding, and player welfare.
Executive Committee reforms were equally significant. The EXCO size was defined as 7–11 members, comprising four officers, one to five ordinary members, and two Independent Members appointed for their professional or business expertise to enhance oversight and credibility. A percentage-based gender diversity mechanism was introduced, alongside a gender balance safeguard for World Rugby Council representation. Term limits were aligned for all EXCO and Independent Members, with automatic cessation of office if a member no longer holds an elected position within their union. A new suspension mechanism for breaches of the Code of Conduct was also adopted.
Going forward, EXCO decisions will primarily be reached by consensus. Where voting becomes necessary, outcomes will be recorded as unified EXCO decisions, reinforcing collective responsibility and internal solidarity.
Nigeria’s presence at the Congress underscored its commitment to governance excellence, structural reform, and the long-term development of rugby both domestically and across Africa. Dr. Are actively participated in discussions aimed at strengthening collaboration among unions, enhancing regional and continental competitions, and creating sustainable pathways for emerging rugby nations.
The reforms adopted in Kampala are expected to deepen partnerships, unlock investment opportunities, accelerate talent development, and position African rugby for greater competitiveness on the global stage.
