Rugby
RECAP OF 2019 RUGBY SEASON
BY NTIENSE WILLIAMS
The 2019 Rugby Season was the Rugby World Cup year. For the first time it was held in Asia, Japan to be precise. It certainly lived up to its billing not withstanding the disruption of the game schedule due to the typhoons natural disaster.
In what proved an entertaining yet frantic year for the oval-ball game, New Zealand’s reign at the top of the sport finally came to an end in one of the most extraordinary ways possible – there semi-final defeat against England ending eight years of global domination.
That not withstanding, the 2019 Rugby World Cup was a resounding success that saw a new Champion in South Africa equalling the winning streak of 3 wins by New Zealand “All Blacks”
Another history was made as The Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi is the first and only black Rugby Player to captain a World Cup winning team in the history of the William Webb Ellis Trophy!
South Africa defeated England by 32 points to 12 points in an epic finals. South Africa’s Rugby World Cup triumph in 2019 thus eclipses the side’s success in 1995, according to former Springbok captain Francois Pienaar.
World Rugby has announced record-breaking digital content viewing figures for Rugby World Cup 2019, confirming the tournament as one of the most watched and engaged sports events of the decade.
#RWC2019 video content generates more than 2.1 billion views
Fifty four per cent of all video views accessed via World Rugby channels RWC Daily show watched nearly 11 million times
The Blossoms the Japanese Rugby National Team were a sight to behold and the best host so far in World Rugby history.
In Africa Rugby, Kenya secure the 2020 Tokyo Olympics African slot during the Africa Men’s Sevens tournament which was sponsored by Société Général and hosted in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa. The Rugby Africa qualifiers had 14 teams who were in action in the two day event including Nigeria who came eighth position.
The Black Stallion also lost out of the Africa Rugby Cup qualifier when they were defeated by Madagascar 63 points to 3 points, as such lost out on the premier 15’s Africa Rugby Championship for the 2020 Africa Rugby Season.
Before now, Nigeria also lost out to Ivory Coast in the West Africa Rugby Series held in Ghana.
Ivory Coast was therefore crowned the 2019 WARS Champions haven’t previously defeated host Ghana in the first match of the Championship. Nigeria however defeated Ghana in the second match of the tournament to win an unofficial Ghana Vs Nigeria President’s Cup which return leg is still expected.
The National Rugby Union League program is yet to be concluded as we still await a 2019 Champion to emerge, even without a South South & South East League which did not hold last year.
Also the Rugby Federation Secretary General Mr Victor Anosa and Technical Director Mr Ntiense Williams were unceremoniously removed by the President Mr Kelechi Mbagwu with appeals pending at the supervising Ministry of Youth & Sports.
However, it wasn’t all loss or gloomy as two Black Stallion Captains Azeez Ladipo and Ona Jatto got married.
That not withstanding though, there were a couple of things that brought some delight and smiles on the faces of most Rugby lovers.
One of which was the fact that Rugby was featured as a medal winning event at the 2019 National Youth Games in Ilorin Kwara State with Edo Girls and Kano Boys winning the two Gold Medals in the Sevens event. Thanks to host Coach Angulu Sulymon and “Mr Rugby” who organised the most successful event.
Also, Rugby returned to the 20th National Sports Festival tagged Edo 2020 after 10 years of absence as one of the five optional sports courtesy of the host Edo State and the sagacity of “Mr Rugby” Ntiense Williams who is an employee and Head Coach of the Edo State Rugby Association and the Sports Commission.
Akwa Ibom State formally inaugurated the Akwa Ibom State Rugby Association alongside 30 other sporting association to kick start genuine Rugby programs in the State.
Ehibam Griefshare Foundation held the first Championship at Idia College in Benin City after its launch last year, while Eco 2 School’s Rugby Tournament was held in Ajegunle Lagos.
Rugby players and enthusiast once again enjoyed fun and Rugby at the Sandy Beech Rugby Tournament at Takwabay Beech in Lagos to round up the 2019 domestic Rugby Season.
The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has re-elected Dr. Ademola Are as its President, reaffirming confidence in his leadership to drive a new phase of growth and inclusivity for the sport.
The new horsemen on the saddle
The Indoor Sports Hall of Package B at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, buzzed with excitement as delegates, stakeholders, and supporters gathered for the NRFF elections — an event many described as a turning point for Nigerian rugby.
Proceedings began promptly at 9 a.m., and the election process ran smoothly under a cordial and transparent atmosphere. When the votes were tallied, Dr. Are was returned unopposed for another four-year term, drawing applause from delegates who hailed his steady leadership and commitment to development.
In his acceptance speech, the re-elected president expressed gratitude to past leaders and promised to focus on grassroots expansion, institutional partnerships, and stronger national competitions.
“This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to the entire rugby family,” Dr. Are said. “We will continue to work together to ensure that rugby claims its rightful place in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond.”
He described the new board as “a blend of experience, capacity, and passion,” pledging to build on recent progress in coaching and talent development.
“The next four years will be exciting. We’re taking rugby into the NUGA Games, regional leagues, and para-military competitions. With the support of the National Sports Commission, we’ll deepen grassroots growth and strengthen our national teams,” he added.
Iyorhe Grace emerged as Vice President after defeating Mrs. Chinonye Daphey Aliyu by 11 votes to one, while other board members were drawn from all six geopolitical zones, ensuring broad representation.
The elections, widely hailed as peaceful and transparent, ended with cheers and camaraderie — a reflection of the shared resolve to reposition rugby in Nigeria.
With a renewed mandate and an inclusive leadership team, Nigerian rugby appears set for a fresh chapter of stability, innovation, and nationwide growth.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Brampton, Canada — Nigeria’s women’s Rugby League national team, the Green Falcons, soared into the final of the International Rugby League (IRL) World Series after a commanding 10–0 victory over Ireland at the Terry Fox Stadium in Brampton, Canada.
The victory, which came against the world’s eighth-ranked side, sealed Nigeria’s place in the final and marked another milestone for the fast-rising African champions, currently ranked 17th globally.
Fedelia Omoghan opened the scoring with a hard-fought try late in the first half, though Shondell Akhabue, playing from Australia, narrowly missed the conversion to leave the score at 4–0.
Despite Ireland’s dominance in possession during the second half, Nigeria’s defense held firm. The turning point came when captain Rachael Illya capitalized on a loose ball 65 yards out, sprinting past the Irish defense to score a stunning solo try. Akhabue made no mistake with her second conversion, extending Nigeria’s lead to 10–0 — a scoreline that stood till the final whistle.
An emotional Akhabue described the moment as deeply personal, reflecting on her mixed heritage and pride in representing Nigeria.
“It means so much to the nation itself. You could just tell by our reaction when that final whistle went,” she said. “I’m Australian-based and half Nigerian, but I didn’t realize how much it would mean until that moment. I just broke down in tears — it was overwhelming.”
Team captain Blessing Aladeyelu hailed the result as a defining achievement for Nigerian women’s rugby.
“There’s emotion everywhere — happiness, pain, fatigue, but victory makes it all worth it,” she said. “Beating Ireland is a big deal. They’ve been playing rugby league for decades, long before it was introduced in Nigeria. This win means everything.”
Aladeyelu also praised the unity of the team, which includes players from Australia, Canada, and the UK.
“It wasn’t hard for us to bond because we had one goal — to make Nigeria proud and put our country’s name on the rugby league map,” she added.
Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Rugby League Association, Ade Adebisi, lauded the team’s progress, describing the victory as a symbol of Nigeria’s growing presence in world rugby.
“We’ve just beaten a rugby nation with 30 to 50 years of experience over us,” Adebisi said. “Our ladies have been playing for only about four years, yet look at what they’ve achieved. With more investment and opportunities, Nigeria can be known globally not just for football, but also for rugby.”
The Green Falcons will now face Fiji in the IRL World Series final after the Pacific side thrashed hosts Canada 48–0 in the second semi-final. However, Nigeria will be without key player Blessing Umude, who suffered an injury against Ireland and has been ruled out of the tournament.
The winner of the final will claim the last available spot for the 2026 International Rugby League Women’s World Cup, scheduled to be held in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Nigeria’s Green Falcons already hold the title of Middle East and Africa champions, and their latest triumph has further solidified their reputation as one of the fastest-emerging forces in women’s rugby league.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Nigeria’s national women’s rugby league team, the Green Falcons, have landed in Canada ahead of their maiden appearance at the International Rugby League (IRL) Women’s World Series 2025. The 19-player squad, captained by Blessing Funmilayo Aladeyelu, touched down in Brampton on Sunday, marking a historic moment for Nigerian rugby.
The Green Falcons will open their campaign on Tuesday, October 21, when they take on Ireland at 3:30 p.m. (local time) at the Terry Fox Stadium in Brampton. Should they win, the Nigerians will face either Fiji or hosts Canada in the semi-final stage.
The final and third-place matches are scheduled for Sunday, October 26, also at Terry Fox Stadium. The championship game will feature the winners of the two opening fixtures.
Nigeria’s qualification for the global series came after their triumph as Middle East and Africa champions. The Falcons defeated Ghana home and away, and overcame Kenya with a win in Lagos and a draw in Nairobi to secure their spot at the global stage.
As part of their preparations, the Green Falcons held a three-week training camp at Alaro City International Rugby Pitch in Lagos, where they played two test matches against the Leopardess of Ghana. They impressed with back-to-back victories, winning the first game 40–0 and the second 24–8 on October 11, demonstrating strong form ahead of the World Series.
The squad features standout players including Success Iyoha, Ukwuoma Endurance, Shondell Akhabue, Innocent Adaeza, Adeola King, Rukayat Akinade, and Fedelia Omoghan, among others. Aminah Oluwabunmi has been listed as the team’s development/injury cover.
The IRL Women’s World Series in Canada represents a major milestone for Nigeria, showcasing the country’s growing presence in global rugby and marking the Green Falcons’ first-ever appearance at a world tournament.
Full Green Falcons Squad:
Success Iyoha; Blessing Funmilayo Aladeyelu (Captain); Ukwuoma Endurance; Umude Blessing; Shondell Akhabue; Innocent Adaeza; Adeola King; Rukayat Akinade; Fedelia Omoghan; Daneyelle Shobanjo; Siobhan Sheerin; Faustina Akeje; Becky Okitikpe; Catherine Akeje; Rachel Iliya; Chinaza Abbah; Vera Pedro; Lauretta Bayere; Abiola Obazuaye and Aminah Oluwabunmi.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- Athletics6 days ago
Nigeria to Host First-Ever Africa Running Conference in Lagos
- Nigerian Football6 days ago
Tiger Street Football Tournament Heads for Grand Finale in Awka After Electrifying Weekend
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Jay-Jay Okocha Call Turns NPFL Boss to Instant Celebrity in Madrid
- CAF Champions League1 week ago
Remo Stars Host Mamelodi Sundowns in Crucial CAF Champions League Showdown
- CAF Champions League2 days ago
Rivers Flow into CAF Champions’ League Group Stage as First Nigerian Team in Nine Years
- CAF Champions League1 week ago
Black Bulls Edge Rivers United 1–0 in CAF Champions League Clash
- CAF Champions League1 week ago
Two Decades After Their Defeat, Mamelodi Sundowns Return to Abeokuta
- Boxing6 days ago
Nigerian-Born Irish Boxer Daniel Fakoyede Targets Heavyweight Glory