Nigeria Rugby League Association inaugurates female league

The Nigeria Rugby League Association (NRLA) is set to unveil the female league for the Southern Conference on Saturday May 22, 2021. 

Nigeria will be one of the few African Countries to finally get the Women's Division of Rugby League running. 

Ghana recently launched 5 female teams and there's been an increase in the participation of women in the sport.

Cameroon also launched their Laureane Biville Tournament in a bid to promote the female division of the sport and also in remembrance of their Godmother, Laureane Biville.

The female league for the Southern Conference is set to commence with the kick-off between Lagos Haven v Lagos Rhinos.

Mr Abiodun Olawale Cole (Chairman of the NRLA) stated, 

"we are very proud to be able to commence the female league Southern Conference. It is truly wonderful to see so many keen athletes willing to participate in the league and compete for a spot in the National Team, which plans to compete for a spot in RLWC 2025".

The commencement of the female league goes to further reiterate NRLA’s commitment in promoting gender equality by giving women an opportunity to experience the Rugby League games.

The Captain of the Female Team of Lagos Haven expressed her excitement for the newly inaugurated female league when she stated:

 "Nigeria has established female teams in Rugby Union at state and national level, yet this will be the first official league for female players in Nigeria and for Rugby League in Africa. Having participated in a few exhibition matches leading up to the season, I am truly excited to be a part of this movement and to lead my team out this weekend". 

The female league intends to compliment the male league by guaranteeing gender equality and encouraging female players to hone and develop their talents. 

Ike Eneli (Director of Rugby for NRLA) remarked as follows; 

"The Southern League will consist of 3 teams from the existing clubs, being The Kings, Lagos Rhinos and Lagos Haven Rugby League Football clubs. Recruitment is still ongoing and would aim to recruit for the other clubs as soon as possible."

Rugby League as a sport is genuinely exciting and with the inclusion of the female league, it promises to be more exciting and exhilarating. 

Ms. Yemisi Bakre (Director of Marketing, NRLA) acknowledged and commented as follows; 

"the competition will take the form of a round Robin where each team will play each other twice and a winner will emerge. This is particularly exciting and a big win to women in sports".

NRLA had previously submitted it's strategic plan to the European Rugby League which included the planned establishment of a female league in 2022. NRLA having fulfilled its strategic plan regarding the establishment of the female league in record time, intends to keep breaking boundaries in the world of Rugby League.  

“The sheer numbers of female players keen to get started has allowed us to push our plans forward and start immediately," says Michael Ogunbiyi (Director of Strategy and planning NRLA).

The NRLA is thankful  to their Sponsor, Africa Plus Partners, for their continued support and commitment towards our course.

It's great to see the continous growth of Rugby League in Africa and the increase in participation of Women in the sport. We hope to see more Women taking up leadership roles in the various organizations.

Source: Nigeria Rugby League Association