The teeming lovers of rugby football in Nigeria are in for a double thrilling event aimed at taking the game to higher levels would see the launch of a new club named Lagos Island Rugby Football Club, as well as, a Governor’s Cup to be be competed for by rugby teams in Lagos state.
The club nicknamed the ‘Islanders’, which would be based in Lagos Island local government of the state, is the initiative of renowned politician and rugby enthusiast, Larinde Williams.
The launch of “The Islanders” is expected to hold Saturday, 6th, July 2019, at the Hilario Campus mini stadium Lagos Island.
It would also see teams competing in a commemorative tournament tagged the “Governor’s Rugby Cup” which will form part of the new Rugby Club’s contribution to the inauguration of the new Executive Governor of Lagos State Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
According to Williams, the initiative is one of his several contributions towards the development of the community and his immediate constituency. As well as, providing the youths with alternative sporting activity that would help them develop a career.
The auspicious event which is slated to hold between 12- 4 pm, will witness a specially organised rugby match featuring the Governor’s Rugby Select XV Team who will lock horns against the new club, Lagos Island RFC.
In line with his vision to also develop the sport in schools, two schools that are already playing rugby will feature in a curtain raiser, Seven – A – Side exhibition match to usher in the Governor’s Rugby Cup.
Honourable Larinde Williams said; “I am so passionate about rugby and I have decided to give back to my constituency and the society through this rugby initiative of establishing the Lagos Island Rugby Club and the Catch Them Young program in schools.”
“We have also enlisted the assistance of a renowned rugby development expert in Nigeria, Ntiense Williams, to help lay a good foundation for this futuristic rugby and community development program for the restless young people in my constituency,” he added.
” As a politician, I strongly believe that we can use our political strength to benefit our youths through sports and in this case, rugby, in particular.
” It would help rid our society of social vices which are endemic in our communities. Government may not be able to do it alone, but their interest and endorsement of this project will greatly endear the populace to this incoming administration, ” he noted.
He went ahead to admonish well placed individuals and corporate body to partner with the program in its efforts to make the society better.
Amongst other dignitaries expected to grace the occasion will be the newly installed Executive Governor of Lagos State, notable politicians from the State and Lagos Island constituency.
Also expected at the event are members of Lagos State Sports Commission led by its Chairman, board members of Lagos State Rugby Association, the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation big wigs led by the President, as well as rugby enthusiasts.
