In consultation with World Rugby, the online training programme has been designed to equip female volunteers and employees of rugby unions with essential management skills. Participants, identified as potential future leaders in the sport, will undergo rigorous training over a 10-month period, with two days of training every three weeks. 

The Executive Masters in Sports Organisations Management Association (MEMOS) and the International University of Health, Exercise and Sport (LUNEX, https://LUNEX.lu) are working together to provide expertise and support to ensure the success of the programme. 

The initiative underlines Rugby Africa's commitment to developing rugby across the African continent while empowering women in the sport. By providing female participants with the opportunity to engage in management training and leadership development, Rugby Africa is actively working to promote inclusivity and gender equality in rugby across Africa. 

On the completion of the Women's Leadership and Management Training Programme, participants will develop a women's rugby development project that is tailored to their environment and includes all the elements necessary for its success. Three of the best projects will be selected in December 2024. 

"Rugby Africa and World Rugby are united in our vision to empower and uplift the women who will be the driving force behind the growth and development of rugby in Africa. We've created a programme that promotes inclusivity, ambition and leadership among women," said Hebert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa. 

"This represents our continued commitment to creating a future where every woman can thrive in the game, take on leadership roles with confidence and where their invaluable contributions are recognised and celebrated," he explained. 

Coralie Van Den Berg, World Rugby's Regional Partnerships Manager for Africa, said:  "Accelerating the growth of women's rugby is a top priority for World Rugby. Our commitment to this cause is evident on the global stage, as evidenced by the success of the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and the launch of WXV, a global women's competition." 

"World Rugby recognises that more needs to be done off the field to promote women in leadership roles and encourage the growth of girls and women in sport. Rugby Africa's Sports Leadership and Management Training Programme, in partnership with LUNEX, is a pioneering initiative that aims to empower talented women to contribute to the development of the game in Africa," she added. 

Maha Zaoui, Rugby Africa Women's Rugby Manager: "As Programme Director and Rugby Africa Women's Rugby Manager, I strongly believe that this programme empowers women to excel in leadership roles within the sport and serves as a catalyst for the growth and development of rugby in Africa. We are creating a legacy and ensuring that the sport in Africa is inclusive for next generations." 

Paula Lanco, Rugby Africa Executive Member and Chair of the Women's Rugby Advisory Committee: "Empowering women in leadership roles strengthens teams and also is a source of inspiration for girls and women aspiring to join the rugby world. We are ensuring that young girls across Africa know they have a place in the rugby community, with full access to everything they need". 

Rugby Africa is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby.

Rugby Africa organises various competitions, including the Rugby World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Sevens, an Olympic qualifier. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to the promotion and development of rugby across the continent. World Rugby has highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the top six emerging nations in rugby.