Lagos State Sports Commission Drives Rugby Development Across Schools

Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) has unveiled plans to transform rugby in the state, committing to grassroots development through schools and community engagement.

The announcement came during the final of an invitational rugby tournament organized by the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Hombre Sports, and the British Rugby School, with support from LSSC.

Speaking at the event, Director-General of LSSC, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, represented by Director of Sports Development Mr. Nunayon Travih, emphasized that youth engagement remains central to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus agenda.

He noted that rugby will be introduced in primary and secondary schools across Lagos, creating opportunities for young athletes to grow with the sport.

‘We will take rugby into schools so that when youths grow into adult life, they have a sport to develop with. This aligns with the Governor’s vision of combining education and sports for holistic development,’ Fatodu said.

The Commission also revealed plans to partner with the British Rugby School, leveraging its infrastructure and educational model to strengthen rugby’s presence in Lagos’ over 1,000 secondary schools.

General Manager of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Mr. Azeez Ladipo, explained that the competition was designed to give local players regular game time, which is vital for performance improvement.

He announced structured domestic circuits in Lagos and Delta to ensure sustainability, with the flagship Lagos Sevens tournament scheduled for later this year.

The invitational tournament featured 11 teams, seven male and four female, from across Nigeria. In the male category, Barewa Rugby Team of Kano defeated Cowrie Rugby Team of Lagos 19-0, while in the female category, AJ Sharks of Lagos edged Barewa Female Team 5-0.

French International Rugby Olympian Aaron Grandidier attended the event, inspiring and mentoring young players.