The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has backed the third Tunde Delu Rugby Sevens tournament scheduled to hold in Abeokuta from April 23 to 25.
The event will take place at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in partnership with the Ogun State Rugby Association as part of efforts to develop rugby at the grassroots.
According to the federation, the three-day programme will include coaching and medical training alongside the competition to build local capacity and increase participation.
Organiser, Tunde Delu, said clubs from across the South-West are expected to compete.
He said: “We are expecting clubs from various states across the South-West of Nigeria to participate.
“Hopefully, by next year, we plan to make it an international event, inviting clubs or even national teams from the West African region to take part.”
Delu added that the tournament aims to address misconceptions about rugby.
He said: “One misconception people have about rugby is that it is not a safe sport.
“Rugby is 100% safe, just like any other contact sport such as football or basketball. We want people to come and see for themselves.”
The competition will feature the rugby sevens format, with between 12 and 14 matches scheduled daily in what organisers described as a family-friendly setting.
The initiative will also support Level 1 and Level 2 coaching and medical certifications, as well as educator development ahead of World Rugby engagements later in the year.
