Africa Introduces Women’s Rugby League

By Iminza Keboge
Published November 29, 2017

The first ever women’s seven-aside rugby league has kicked off in West Africa.

The event, that was held on November 25, 2017 in Ghana, is expected to become the 2017/2018 Ghana Rugby Championship (GRCC) Women’s Sevens Champions on February 17, 2018.

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Four teams–Conquerors, Cosmos Buffalos, Griffons and Dansoman Hurricanes–competed in the first match day in Cape Coast.

While the match between Cosmos and Conquerors ended in a 0-0 draw, Dansoman beat Griffons Ladies 5-0 in the second match of the day.

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“We saw a very challenging display by Dansoman Ladies when they were playing against Griffons Ladies,” said Rafatu Inusha, Women’s Representative of the Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) that is responsible for the development and management of the game in the West African country. “It was their very first time playing Rugby, and they defended and attacked well, even though their ball handling was not flowing, but in time they will be good to go. I am pleased because every team played with excitement and were all happy with the opportunity given to them.”

Saying it was a great day for all teams and that the “initiative will encourage other women to get on board with rugby”, Inusha said women got the “chance to play for the National Team.”

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Herbert Mensah, President and Board Chairman of GRFU, said the “introduction of an official Women’s Sevens Championship is the first step of great things to come for Women’s Rugby in Ghana and indeed in the West African Region.”

The second match day of the 2017/2018 GRCC will take place on December 2, 2017 at the Robert Mensah and Accra Sports stadia in Cape Coast.