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Ghana has taken another significant stride in promoting women’s rugby with the official launch of Rugby Rising Play at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium.
The initiative makes Ghana only the second African country to implement this World Rugby-backed programme, aimed at empowering young girls through sport.
Rugby Rising Play is a structured, 10-session programme designed for teenage girls with no prior rugby experience.
It provides a safe, inclusive space where participants can build confidence, develop teamwork skills, and gain the foundational techniques needed to progress to Tier 1 rugby.
More than just a development project, the programme was unveiled as a movement — one focused on breaking barriers, empowering girls, and shaping the future of women’s rugby across the continent.
Approximately 30 girls from 12 schools demonstrated their skills during the launch event, marking a promising start.
Speaking at the launch, Special Guest of Honour Madam Veronica Commey, Deputy Director (Technical) at the National Sports Authority, hailed the initiative as “a groundbreaking step in transforming the landscape of girls’ participation in sport in Ghana.”
She emphasized the importance of sustained investment in young female athletes:
“When we invest in girls, we invest in the future. From grassroots to greatness, let us rise together through sport.”
Her remarks reflected the broader vision of the programme — to cultivate a generation of female athletes, coaches, administrators, and leaders who will shape Ghana’s sporting future.
Former GRFU President, Mrs Gifty Anna Myers — the first woman to lead the Union — reflected on the early days of rugby in Ghana, recalling how her efforts in 2003 were initially met with skepticism. Today, she said, the sport’s progress speaks for itself.
She cited Ghana’s successful hosting of the first CAR North-West Africa Women’s 7s Tournament in Accra as a major milestone, which attracted teams from Morocco, Tunisia, and beyond. Encouraging the young participants, she urged:
“Take rugby seriously. The opportunities are real, and the world is watching.”
Mrs. Joyce Mahama, President of Women in Sports, encouraged the girls to stay dedicated to their athletic journey while offering an important word of caution:
“Do not see sport merely as a chance to travel. Desperation could expose you to exploitation.”
She advised participants to remain focused, avoid dropping out, and bring their peers into the game to help rugby grow. Mrs. Mahama also praised the GRFU’s collaboration with World Rugby, noting that Ghanaian girls are already making an impact internationally.
President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union, Ms. Rafatu Inusah, outlined a bold, long-term vision for the sport. She described a future where today’s players evolve into coaches, referees, administrators, and decision-makers within rugby and beyond.
She announced upcoming initiatives including teacher and volunteer training, safeguarding workshops, community sessions, regional festivals, and a nationwide celebration of girls' rugby.
In a powerful closing message to the participants, she said: “To the girls who will soon take to the field: this programme is for you. We believe in your potential, and we are committed to giving you every opportunity to rise, shine, and lead — safely and confidently — through rugby.”
Rugby Rising Play is part of World Rugby’s Impact Beyond 2025 global initiative, launched in August.
The programme aims to harness the momentum of the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in England to create lasting change worldwide.
Built on three core pillars and nine strategic initiatives, Impact Beyond 2025 seeks to inspire more women and girls to engage with rugby, not only as players but also as coaches, referees, and administrators.
In Ghana, Rugby Rising Play stands as both a challenge and a promise: to nurture the next generation of women in rugby, from grassroots fields to the global stage.
