“We Are One as Africans”: Rugby Africa President Reflects on Unity After Continental Forum in Kampala

Representing over 74% of Africa, Rugby Africa’s Assembly reflects growing alignment among members around the future direction of the game.

KAMPALA, Uganda – Unity across the continent stood at the centre of Rugby Africa’s 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Kampala, where member unions adopted sweeping constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening governance and reinforcing a shared continental identity for the sport on Friday, February 27.

Representing over 74% of Africa, Rugby Africa’s Assembly — the organisation’s highest decision-making forum — brought together 32 delegates from member unions, reflecting growing alignment around the future direction of the game.

“This year, I think it was the most significant AGM we have ever had,” Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah said.

For Mensah, one of the most significant changes adopted during the Assembly was the decision to move beyond historical divisions that had separated unions along linguistic lines.

“The key changes are that we wanted to remove the issue of French and English. We are one as Africans, and that’s what we proposed — and that’s what was voted for.”

The reform reflects a broader vision of Rugby Africa as a governing body driven by common continental priorities rather than regional or linguistic groupings.

Uganda has become an important host nation for Rugby Africa events in recent years, hosting the Rugby Africa Cup in 2024 and 2025.

“Godwin Kayangwe, the President of Uganda Rugby, my dear friend, and the extraordinary Sports Minister of Uganda, Peter Ogwang agreed to host us. Sport is big business, and we view governments as vital partners.”

At the heart of the Assembly was the adoption of a modernised Constitution- the culmination of two years of consultation, legal review and discussion among member unions.

“When I took office in 2023, I indicated that Rugby Africa was not fit for purpose in terms of its Constitution. It took two years to get here because there were disagreements about how the work should be done and which committees should lead the process.”

The organisation ultimately relied on its governance committee to guide the drafting of the reforms.

Among those involved were Rugby Africa General Secretary Jurie Roux, Namibia Rugby President Petrie Theron, former Botswana Rugby President Sean Irish, and representatives from other unions who helped develop the final framework.

The new constitutional framework introduces several governance changes designed to modernise Rugby Africa’s leadership structures and align them with global best practices.

“We’ve gone IOC-style in terms of term limits,” Mensah emphasised that the reforms reflect the will of the member unions themselves.

“If a member has an appetite for it, my job is simply to deliver. It is not to dictate.”

The Assembly discussed the growing participation of women in rugby leadership and governance.

Rugby Africa has already benefited from strong female leadership within the organisation and internationally.

“I’ve never looked at people based on gender, creed or where they come from. But leaders must show the way.”

The Constitution introduces provisions to strengthen gender representation in governance structures, including a minimum 40% gender diversity mechanism within the Executive Committee, while maintaining merit-based leadership.

During the Assembly, member unions also elected Kevin Venkiah, President of the Mauritius Rugby Union, as Rugby Africa Treasurer, replacing the late Aaron Jani, who passed away a year ago.

“Aaron was a giant. He was quiet under pressure but thoughtful and deeply principled. The values he stood for remain with us.”

Uganda Rugby Union President Godwin Kayangwe was elected to a newly created seat on the Rugby Africa Executive Board.

As the meeting concluded in Kampala, Mensah emphasised that the unity shown by member unions during the Assembly would be key to the organisation’s future.

“We are one as Africans, and that is the spirit that will take rugby forward on this continent.”

Written by Enock Muchinjo

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