NRFF Drives Nation’s Development,Launches Rugby Courses in Lagos

By: Arinzechi Chukwunonso

The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) is set to break new ground in the nation’s rugby development drive with the hosting of the World Rugby Coaching Level 1 Course in Lagos from Tuesday, August 12, to Wednesday, August 13, 2025.

The initiative marks a major milestone as, for the first time, the programme will be delivered exclusively by Nigeria’s newly certified in-house World Rugby Educators — a significant shift from previous years when foreign trainers were required. This development underscores Nigeria’s growing technical expertise and the NRFF’s strategic commitment to self-sufficiency in rugby education.

According to the federation, the Lagos programme forms part of a broader long-term strategy to strengthen grassroots rugby, elevate coaching standards nationwide, and ensure full alignment with World Rugby’s international best practices.

The highlight of the event will be an exclusive Rugby Sevens Coaching Masterclass on Wednesday, August 13, led by National Team Coach Steve Lewis. Lewis, whose track record spans guiding Nigeria’s national teams and contributing to elite international rugby programmes, will deliver advanced tactical insights, modern training methodologies, and game-management strategies aimed at shaping a distinctly Nigerian playing identity from youth levels to the senior national side.

“This programme is a milestone in building our coaching capacity,” said NRFF President, Dr. Ademola Aare. “By equipping more coaches with the right skills and certification, we ensure that players at every level receive the highest standard of training and are prepared to compete at the top level.”

The World Rugby Level 1 Coaching course is open to aspiring coaches who have not yet obtained the World Rugby Level 1 or Medical Level 1 (First Aid in Rugby) certifications. Interested participants are required to complete the mandatory prerequisite online modules prior to the in-person sessions in Lagos.

The NRFF has also confirmed that similar courses will be rolled out across different regions of Nigeria in the coming months, widening access to certification and ensuring more coaches and medical support personnel are equipped to deliver safe, high-quality rugby training nationwide.

Event Details:

Dates: 12–13 August 2025

Location: Lagos

Highlight: Rugby Sevens Coaching Masterclass with Steve Lewis – August 13

Registration: Mandatory (with prerequisite online modules)

With this landmark programme, the NRFF is positioning Nigeria as a rising force in African rugby — not just on the pitch, but in technical and professional capacity development