The landscape of West African rugby reached a historic milestone with the official launch of the Union of African Rugby Federations of West Africa (UFOAR) in Abidjan.
The inauguration, held at the Ibis Hotel, brought together key stakeholders from across the region, uniting their efforts to elevate rugby’s profile in West Africa.
Presided over by Marcellin Zahoui, former President of Rugby Africa, and Charles Yapo, former Treasurer General of Rugby Africa and a representative of World Rugby, the event underscored a collective commitment to advancing the sport.
Lukas Gnogbo Koré, President of Rugby Côte d’Ivoire, was elected as the first President of UFOAR. Outlining his vision, he emphasized his dedication to rugby’s growth across the continent, with Côte d’Ivoire positioned as the hub of West African rugby. The country holds a unique distinction as the only French-speaking West African nation to have participated in a Rugby World Cup.
With rugby flourishing in East, South, and North Africa, Lukas and his team are determined to bolster West Africa’s presence on the global stage. Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah hailed the establishment of UFOAR as a turning point for the sport in the region, highlighting the importance of unity in driving progress.
“As sport is a big business, it is necessary for nations to come together, work with governments, raise funds, and create better opportunities for all,” Mensah stated, reinforcing the need for collaboration between federations, governments, and private sector partners.
The initiative received strong backing from the Minister of Sports and Urban Life, who praised Rugby Africa’s leadership and the joint efforts of the federations. He acknowledged rugby’s positive trajectory and pledged continued government support to sustain its momentum.
With UFOAR’s formation, the region is poised to benefit from increased investment, structured development programs, and greater international participation. The initiative aims to strengthen grassroots rugby, enhance player development pathways, and establish West Africa as a formidable force in African rugby.
This milestone marks the beginning of a new era, with stakeholders optimistic that the unity fostered through UFOAR will translate into greater representation for West African nations in global rugby tournaments, including future Rugby World Cups.
