40 Schools benefit from grassroots programme

SOUTH African rugby club, Belhar RFC, has announced the signing of Nigerian player, Christian Ogar, who currently plays for South West League champions, Cowrie RFC of Lagos, for an undisclosed fee.

According to Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Ogar, who emerged the most valuable player in last year’s South West League, was spotted by scouts in the rugby Olympic qualifier tournament held in Johannesburg, South Africa in November 2015.

The management of Belhar RFC, who plays in the Western Cape League, ‎announced the deal after an agreement was reached with Ogar through Cowrie RFC.

The Nigerian rugby national team speed star, who hails from Cross River State, started his playing career with Plateau Tigers in Jos before joining current Southwest League champions.

He will be departing the country this week for South Africa to team up with his new side.

Technical Adviser of the national team, Bandele Coker, described the move as a stepping-stone for the player and also for the national team.

“Ogar playing in South Africa, a country that has a better infrastructure for the development of rugby will be good for the winger, who we believe will acquire more experience to sharpen his skills.”

Meanwhile, NRFF Vice President, Olatunji Fasimoye, has announced that the federation will release its 2016 programme this week.

Fasimoye noted that the federation had to wait for the continental body, Rugby Africa, to bring out its guideline for the federation to follow.

“What we are trying to do is to integrate our plans with the Africa body so that we can come up with our calendar to develop rugby,” he said.

He also hinted that this year, the federation would focus more on grassroots development as they hope to spread the gospel of rugby in Nigeria.

“Our focus in 2016 is actually on the development of rugby through our Get into Rugby programme. The federation will start with 10 coaches, who will handle at least 40 schools.

“When you look at 40 schools, you have an average of 40 students, that will be a major achievement for the awareness of the sport in Nigeria. Some of the players discovered in the school programme will get the chance to be selected to represent Nigeria in the future, ’’ he added.