Rugby: Commonwealth Games Inspectors Visit Proposed Stadium Site

By Arinzechi Chukwunonso

Nigeria’s ambition to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games gained momentum on Saturday as the Commonwealth Games Evaluation Committee inspected a proposed rugby stadium site in Abuja, sparking renewed optimism for the future of rugby in the country.

The high-powered inspection team, led by Lazilayana Ezera Tsahabangu, Darren Glenn Edward Hall, and Ann-Louise Morgan, toured multiple facilities earmarked for the Games. Among them, the proposed rugby field stood out as one of the cornerstone projects in Nigeria’s bid.

Speaking during the visit, Ademola Are, President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), emphasized the transformative potential of the Games for the sport.

“Right now, our national rugby team does not have a home ground. If Nigeria wins the hosting rights, a rugby field will have to be built, and that will trigger growth for the game across the country,” Are said.

He stressed that federal investment in rugby infrastructure would not only provide the national team with a long-awaited home base but also inspire state governments to invest in grassroots development.

“I am excited about what the future holds for rugby in Nigeria. The potential is vast, and with the right infrastructure in place, we can galvanise development and position the sport among the country’s leading games,” he added.

For years, Nigerian rugby has faced the challenge of inadequate facilities, often relying on borrowed or makeshift venues. The possibility of constructing a world-class stadium under the Commonwealth Games framework is being hailed as a turning point.

Analysts note that should Nigeria’s bid be successful, rugby could experience unprecedented growth, aligning with global trends where the sport has gained popularity at youth, collegiate, and professional levels.

The inspection marks a critical phase in Nigeria’s campaign to host the Games, as Abuja and Lagos position themselves as hubs capable of delivering the first Commonwealth Games on African soil.

With rugby slated to be a key sport at the 2030 Games, the NRFF sees this moment not just as an opportunity to host the world, but as a catalyst to cement rugby’s place in Nigeria’s sporting landscape.