Saturday October 2nd 2019 Tokyo Japan; Rugby world cup finals: England 12-32 South Africa
South Africa’s success today in Japan by winning the Rugby World Cup will inspire millions on the African continent so says the President of Rugby Africa Khaled Babbou, as all the African unions’ presidents gathered in Tokyo today to revel in the great success of the Springboks of South Africa who beat the Roses of England to emerge World Champions.
Speaking on the success of the South African team, Mr. Babbou said that it highlights the importance of African success for the future development of the sport.
He added that “the Springboks have risen to the top of World Rugby Men’s Rankings and that brings Africa back on the map of the top world rugby teams. Millions of young kids will be inspired”.
Sports analysts are of the view that the enthusiastic fan base in South Africa created a vibrant Rugby festival and this is a great signal and will surely provide a boosting dynamic for South Africa and its African co-unions.
President of Rugby Africa Khaled Babbou
This development will go a long way to deepen the growth of Rugby which according to experts is becoming a force to reckon with in Africa. A survey carried out in 2017 show that growth in player registration in African nations (excluding South Africa) was 66%, against an overall global increase of 27%.
Rugby is developing at an unprecedented pace in Africa especially with the rate African national rugby unions are being established and the growth of the grass roots game.
Equally notable is the emergence of women Rugby games across the countries of the continent.
Speaking on the growth of the game in Africa, the Chairman of World Rugby Bill Beaumont noted that the game has experienced tremendous attention in recent years.
“There has never been a more exciting time for rugby in Africa,” he said recently.
“Ten African nations are currently placed in the top-50 of the world rankings and more women and men, girls and boys, are playing than ever before. The players are inspirational role models for the next generations of young Africans who are discovering the sport.”
