Rugby Africa Unites to Adopt Bold Safeguarding Policy to Protect Millions in the Game
This policy establishes continent-wide standards to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults in rugby from abuse, harassment, neglect and exploitation.
Image: Uganda Rugby Union’s U-SAFE Rugby campaign at the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala,Uganda.
KAMPALA, Uganda – Recently, thousands of players, coaches, match officials and volunteers across Africa gained stronger protections as the Executive Committee of Rugby Africa formally adopted a comprehensive Safeguarding Policy. The decision was announced at the 17th Annual General Meeting, the organisation’s highest decision-making forum, held in Kampala on Friday, February 27.
As rugby participation continues to expand across Africa, particularly through youth programmes, tournaments and women’s pathways, the need for consistent safeguarding standards has become increasingly critical. This newly adopted framework applies across 40 National Unions and is designed to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults at every level of the game.
More than 8,400 individuals have already completed the Safeguarding Online Essentials course via the World Rugby Passport platform, reflecting growing awareness across the African continent. In addition, face-to-face safeguarding training has been delivered in Tunisia, Madagascar, Burundi, Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire. Member Union-led initiatives are also underway in Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya, among others.
“Safety is not a choice, it is our priority,” said Nasser Bougja, Vice President of Rugby Africa and Chairman of the Safeguarding Committee. “There can be no compromise when it comes to protecting our players, our children and everyone involved in the game. Together, we must create an environment where vigilance is shared, concerns are addressed and safety is guaranteed across African rugby.”
Effective six months after the date of adoption, the policy and procedures establish clear standards for identifying and reporting concerns, outline expected behaviours and introduces structured case management. It empowers Rugby Africa to take protective measures where necessary, ensuring safe, accountable and positive environments across competitions, events and development programmes.
While Member Unions retain responsibility for handling cases domestically, the continental policy creates a harmonised baseline aligned with international standards. Rugby Africa’s framework operates consistently with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the Olympic Charter and IOC Safeguarding Framework, World Rugby’s Safeguarding Policy and relevant national legislation governing child protection and human rights.
“If we are serious about growing the game, then we must be equally serious about protecting the people who play it. Governance, accountability and safeguarding are not separate conversations — they are the foundation of trust. And without trust, there is no sport,” added Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa and Executive Board Member of World Rugby.
In addition, Rugby Africa is developing a comprehensive Safeguarding Toolkit designed to support implementation at union level. The toolkit will provide practical resources covering prevention strategies, risk assessments, reporting procedures, case management templates and educational materials. It is intended to bridge the gap between policy and operational practice, ensuring that safeguarding systems are not only adopted but effectively embedded.
“World Rugby warmly congratulates Rugby Africa on the launch of its Safeguarding Policy and Procedures. This milestone follows a rigorous, collaborative process drawing on diverse expertise, and reflects a shared commitment to safe, respectful and inclusive rugby environments. It has been a privilege to contribute to this important work, and we look forward to supporting Rugby Africa as these protections are brought to life for the benefit of all participants,” said Coralie Van Den Berg, World Rugby’s Regional Partnership Manager for Africa.
As African rugby continues to expand its competitive footprint and grassroots participation, the new safeguarding framework provides the protective infrastructure necessary to sustain that growth responsibly.
By embedding safeguarding within its governance architecture, Rugby Africa has taken a decisive step toward building a safer, stronger and more accountable rugby environment, ensuring the sport’s future across the continent.
“The adoption of this Safeguarding Policy marks a major milestone for Rugby Africa. As our game continues to grow across the continent, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults is a fundamental responsibility. This framework provides clear, harmonised standards aligned with international best practice while supporting our Member Unions in effective implementation. Safeguarding is not just a policy, it is a commitment to protecting the future of African rugby,” said Maha Zaoui, General Manager of Rugby Africa.
To Access Official Safeguarding Policy EN: Click Here
To Access Official Safeguarding Policy FR: Click Here
To Access Official Safeguarding Procedure EN: Click Here
To Access Official Safeguarding Procedure FR: Click Here
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Manager
nicole.vervelde@rugbyafrique.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) 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 organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 40 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
