CAPE TOWN, November 15, 2018 - South Africa Rugbypresident Mr. Mark Alexander was elected to the World Rugby’s Executive Councilin elections held in Dublin on Wednesday.
"It is a huge honour to be named on the executive bodyamong a number of highly respected administrators in the game," said Mr.Alexander from Dublin, where the World Rugby Council held their second sittingof the year.
"South Africa has had a strong representation on theexecutive over time, and I am proud and humbled to follow in that tradition.These are exciting times for rugby with a number of opportunities – as well aschallenges - and I am delighted to be part of this group that will bedetermined to continue the growth and interest in the game around the world.”
World Rugby has welcomed Burkina Faso as associate membersafter they submitted a successful application. To become an associate member ofthe international federation, a rugby union must first be a full member of itsregional association, in this case Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com). Then itmust meet a certain number of criteria ranging from governance toadministration and from development programs to domestic and regional competitions.
Mrs Rolande Boro, President of Burkina Faso Rugby Union isnaturally delighted by the news : “It is a major achievement for Burkina FasoRugby, we have worked very hard to grow the Game here and it is starting toshow on the field. Our U18 boys came third in the Africa Youth Games in July inAlgiers, and our senior sevens team finished third of the African RegionalSevens tournament in September in Abidjan. We might be a small country in theworld of rugby but we have clear ambitions and a strong focus to reach them.Our next objective is obviously to be admitted as full member of World Rugby intwo years time.”
Indeed, only unions in full membership of World Rugby canapply for much needed funding and participate in Rugby World Cup Qualifiers.
Last but not least, Nigeria Rugby Football Federation’ssuspension was lifted by World Rugby. The union had been reinstated earlier inthe year by Rugby Africa once the regional association had been satisfied bythe newly adopted governance process and constitution in Nigeria. Following theannouncement, NRFF’s President Kelechukwu Mbagwu had this to say : “We are extremely happy and grateful to beback within the rugby family, I am particularly fulfilled that our hard workand preparations were not in vain. A big thank you to Rugby Afrique for theirsupport and belief in us.”
Rugby Africa’s President and World Rugby Council member,Abdelaziz Bougja, was present in Dublin and instrumental in all three decisionsmade in connection with Africa. He reports : “It was indeed a big day forAfrica on the international stage and I am really happy with the outcomes. Weare strengthening our presence in the global rugby family and no one can denythat Africa is making great strides. I wish to congratulate Mr Alexander for hiselection at World Rugby’s Executive committee, I have no doubt that he will bemaking a major contribution towards African rugby in his new role. I wish allthe best to Burkina Faso and Nigeria Rugby Football Federation; they areexcellent examples of what can be achieved when the leadership is right and setto work to grow the Game from grassroot levels all the way to national teams. Iam really proud of their success and the positive image they are conveying ofrugby in their respective countries.”
He further adds : “I look forward to welcoming all ourmember unions in Marrakech for the African Rugby Summit from February 27th toMarch 3rd 2019. It will be a fantastic celebration of African Rugby concludedby our 13th General Assembly.”
