Rugby Nations Meet in Zimbabwe to Strengthen Systems for the Future of African Rugby

Organised by World Rugby, participants from Kenya, Madagascar, Tunisia, Uganda and host nation Zimbabwe leave with clear, actionable plans to support the growth of rugby in their countries.

HARARE, Zimbabwe – The Rugby Union Management Programme (UMP), organised by World Rugby and Rugby Africa, successfully took place in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, marking a key step in strengthening governance and institutional capacity across the African continent.

The session, held from April 23 to 25, 2026, brought together high-level representatives from Development Unions such as Kenya, Madagascar, Tunisia, Uganda, and host nation Zimbabwe.

Unlike traditional capacity-building formats, the 2026 edition placed strong emphasis on applied learning and real-time problem solving, with unions working directly on their own organisational challenges and benefiting from peer exchange and shared learning. Key commitments from unions include reviewing outdated constitutions, developing income-generating models focused on commercial opportunities, and establishing new strategic plans.

Within World Rugby’s categorisation model, Development Unions are classified as those with a mature domestic game and institutional growth. As the 2024–2027 cycle reaches its midpoint, these unions are being supported through targeted programmes aimed at strengthening governance, improving operational capacity, and building more sustainable rugby structures.

Participants also engaged in the Business Case Presentation Process for Development Unions, developing tailored action plans designed to support institutional improvement through 2026 and beyond.

Programme Objectives

• Application of the Business Case Presentation Process for Development Unions, with forward planning to 2026 and beyond
• Strengthened alignment between strategic priorities and operational delivery
• Review of governance structures, compliance mechanisms, and decision-making processes
• Identification of shared HR challenges and collaborative solutions across unions
• Development of practical, implementation-ready action plans

The programme was delivered by specialists:

• Coralie Van Den Berg – World Rugby Regional Partnership Manager
• Greg Woods – World Rugby Development Programmes Manager
• Jock Peggie – World Rugby Head of Education, Laws & Compliance
• Ninette Kruyt – World Rugby Women’s Development Programme Manager
• Maha Zaoui – Rugby Africa General Manager
• Denver Wannies – Rugby Africa Regional Training Manager
• Steve Griffiths – Former World Rugby specialist in Strategy, Governance and HR

“It was a privilege to take part in such an engaging and worthwhile programme, with Zimbabwe proudly serving as the host union. The diversity of experience, insight, and perspective in the room made the discussions richer and more meaningful. Programmes such as this strengthen not only our individual unions, but rugby across the continent through collaboration, shared learning, and stronger relationships. We leave inspired, better informed, and optimistic about what lies ahead for our game,” said Paddy Zhanda, Chair of Interim Management Committee of the Zimbabwe Rugby Union.

“This program was a resounding success in terms of knowledge sharing, stakeholder engagement, and tangible outcomes. The quality and clarity of the action plans developed by the unions reflect meaningful progress and a strong collective commitment to advancing rugby across the continent. There is clear momentum and enthusiasm from all participating unions to move into the implementation phase with confidence and ambition. Rugby Africa remains fully committed to supporting unions throughout this next stage of development and encourages all stakeholders to maintain the current momentum and continue strengthening collaboration for the long-term benefit and sustainable growth of African rugby. We extend our sincere thanks to all participating unions, to World Rugby for their continued commitment, trust, and partnership, and to the Zimbabwe Rugby Union for their excellent hosting and support throughout the program,” said Maha Zaoui, Rugby Africa General Manager.

“Rugby is growing rapidly across Africa, and in several countries it is emerging as an industry in its own right—creating jobs, opening career pathways, generating revenue, and becoming an important asset within communities. The Union Management Programme provides time, space, and support for unions to step away from day-to-day pressures, reflect on their governance and administrative realities, and identify areas for meaningful change to build stronger, more resilient organisations for the future. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Zimbabwe Rugby Union for providing an exceptional learning environment,” said Coralie Van Den Berg, World Rugby Regional Partnership Manager for Africa.

“It was great to be welcomed to Zimbabwe to deliver World Rugby’s Union Management Programme to the Development Unions in Africa. All the unions and participants worked tirelessly over the three days to develop dedicated action plans to improve their business case investment applications, their strategic and operational planning linkage, their governance structures, and their human resource policies.

Our hosts in Zimbabwe ensured a welcoming learning environment, and the supportive delivery team ensured that participants felt safe to share and collaborate throughout. I would like to thank all participating unions for their contributions, Zimbabwe for their hosting, and Rugby Africa for their delivery support as we continue to strengthen the capability and capacity of our member unions,” said Jock Peggie, World Rugby’s Head of Education, Laws & Compliance.

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.