The chairman of Ibudó Rugby Association, Michael Ogunbiyi has revealed extensive details on the ongoing Lagos Rugby Secondary Schools Tournaments with over 500 students set for the inter-school championship.
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Michael allayed that It’s more a case of showcasing the talent in Lagos State and also developing athletes who are interested in going further in the game.
“Ibudo Academy has held tournaments before for the schools. This time we thought it would make a greater impact to have two different age groups categories showcase in both boys and girls categories,” he said in an interview with Sports Empire.
Using the tag provided a synergy with Lagos Rugby Association as they had previously spoken of a Governor’s Cup in Lagos as this will be the first time having 500 kids in one place in Lagos in the name of rugby.
“I’m not sure it’s fair to say it is unpopular”, he stated when asked about the popularity of the sports amongst average Nigerian folks.
“I would say it’s more of a case of people not really knowing the game,” he continued.
“I believe Rugby is one hell of a sport and prepares kids for just about anything in life if they take it seriously”.
“It’s a hugely tactical game and is a major for providing skills for life. I mean communication, teamwork, strategy, defence (a responsibility of every player)”.
“Also there are opportunities for the best players to make a career out of it. I mean in just a short time we have enquiries in over 6 other states asking if we can bring rugby to their state”.
“In all, what has been missing from the rugby scene till now is the development of kids”.
“The aim would be to have the game as part of the curriculum and optional for kids to enrol. By the time kids are able to play in regional and international competitions the uptake will be even greater”.
“For now people don’t see the opportunity in it. So our job is to ensure pathways are created following the conclusion”.
“It’s all a work in progress. But the main thing is that there must be regular activity. Till now in Lagos it’s only for NYG that rugby existed for kids”.
“Not every event has to be big. We have done mini-tournaments with just 3-4 schools. And even friendly matches between 2 schools. Ibudó has a presence in Ogun and PH and has a few schools there. We would eventually organise interstate tournaments”.
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“And with support from fans, sports ministry and the rugby governing bodies we would like to organise a national schools tournament”.
“But training will be regular at schools eventually our coaches would hand over to the sports teachers to take over,” he concluded.
