Given the current health crisis caused as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, the Rugby Africa Executive Committee has approved the immediate release of EUR 170,000.00 from a solidarity fund.

All member federations are eligible for this financial aid to support their rugby communities. Requests from the fund can go towards distribution of food packages, meals, or PPE (masks, hand sanitizer gels, etc.), emergency food and medical support for clubs and players in their respective countries. Federations may use funds depending on their needs, while the financial aid granted will consider the size of the federation and its level of development.

Khaled Babbou, the Rugby Africa President, said:

“As centers of shared values, and spaces for individual and group development, our federations play a key role in rugby’s success in Africa. More than ever, the current health crisis is having a major impact on all federations and their clubs, their coaches, and their players – the pillars of Rugby Africa. This financial support supplements a range of initiatives already rolled out to boost our rugby community and highlights the shared values and cooperation dear to our organization. We must also stand together and continue to do everything we can to support those combating the pandemic.”

Rugby Africa is planning safe, practical protocols at a local level to get back on the playing field and TV screens. The whole community is keen for play to resume. However, the priority remains to help federations deal with this complex situation as best as possible, and ensure health and safety for all.

About Rugby Africa:

Rugby Africa is one of the six regional associations of World Rugby and assembles the African nations that practice 15s and 7s rugby. Today, Rugby Africa organizes the Men’s and Women’s Rugby Africa Cup and Sevens tournaments as well as the U20 Barthés Trophy. To date, Rugby Africa counts 39 members, among whom 24 are full or associate members of World Rugby.

Rugby Africa drives with its dedicated team and in close collaboration with the unions the development of rugby through trainings, workshops, mass participation programs, modern tournament formats and communication.

Previously known as the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR), it exists since 1986 where it was officially launched in Tunis, Tunisia. With the inaugural members Tunisia, Morocco, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Kenya, Seychelles and Madagascar. The first organized competitions were the qualifications for the Rugby World Cups 1995 and 1999.

Several African teams participate in the biggest world competitions. South Africa is a regular participant of the Rugby World Cup with three World Cup Champion titles in 1995, 2007 and 2019 and seven participation, in 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019. Namibia is the second union to have represented Africa in this competition, with six participation in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019; Zimbabwe participated twice in 1987, 1991 and Côte d’Ivoire once in 1995.

In 2019, Rugby Africa’s competitions were redesigned. The continent counts several continental and regional tournaments: Men’s and Women’s Rugby Africa Cup, several regional Sevens tournaments, continental Men’s and Women’s Sevens tournaments and the U20 tournament.

Rugby Africa strives to stream its competitions live through social media to attract more fans and advertisers and ensure to transmit a good image of the game. An attractive image of rugby with modern tournaments and formats, that speaks to the existing and new future fans.