Herbert Mensah elected to World Rugby Executive Board: A historic milestone for African Rugby

In a landmark achievement for African rugby, Herbert Mensah, the President of Rugby Africa, has been elected to the Executive Board of World Rugby. The announcement came during the 2024 Interim Meeting of Council in Dublin, Ireland, a historic moment for Mensah and the African rugby community. His appointment marks a significant step forward in the global recognition and growth of rugby on the African continent.

Mensah’s election to the prestigious board is a testament to his tireless commitment to developing rugby across Africa and his growing influence within the global rugby community. He now joins a group of six elected representatives who will sit alongside the recently elected World Rugby Chair, Brett Robinson, and Chief Executive, Alan Gilpin, on the governing body’s Executive Board.

As the representative for the Regional Associations, Mensah’s role will be pivotal in shaping the future of rugby at the highest levels. His extensive experience as a leader in African rugby, combined with his passion for the game’s development, makes him a powerful advocate for rugby in emerging regions.

A vision for growth

Mensah’s journey to this prominent position has been marked by a clear vision: to elevate African rugby to new heights. Under his leadership, Rugby Africa has made tremendous strides in expanding the sport across the continent, with more countries now participating in international competitions and grassroots programs gaining traction. Mensah’s election to the World Rugby Executive Board provides an opportunity for African rugby to have a voice at the global decision-making table.

“We are at a critical juncture for rugby globally, and I am excited to contribute to shaping its future. Rugby has enormous potential in Africa, and through collaboration and strategic development, we can harness that potential to grow the game and ensure it thrives for generations to come,” Mensah said in response to his appointment.

A global perspective

Mensah’s role on the World Rugby Executive Board is not only a victory for Africa but also a step toward diversifying the leadership of the sport. As rugby’s global influence continues to expand, representation from regions outside the traditional strongholds of the sport is essential for ensuring that the interests of all nations and regions are considered in shaping the future of the game.

Having been instrumental in Rugby Africa’s efforts to increase the participation of African nations in global competitions such as the Rugby World Cup and the HSBC Sevens Series, Mensah’s election signals the increasing prominence of African rugby on the world stage. His insights, particularly regarding the challenges faced by developing nations, will be crucial in crafting policies that foster inclusivity and growth in rugby.

A milestone for African Rugby

Mensah’s appointment is particularly significant given the continued rise of African rugby. Over the past decade, African teams have begun to make a more substantial impact on the international scene, and this new platform within World Rugby provides an opportunity to further accelerate that momentum. With Mensah at the helm, Rugby Africa is poised to continue its mission to not only increase participation in the sport but also to secure better support, funding, and development programs for the continent’s rugby nations.

His election is also symbolic of the broader push to make rugby a truly global sport. While Europe, New Zealand, and South Africa have long dominated the game, the recent expansion into new markets such as North America, Asia, and Africa is helping to shape a more diverse and dynamic future for rugby.

Looking ahead

As the sport continues to evolve, Mensah’s presence on the World Rugby Executive Board will play a critical role in advocating for the needs of the African rugby community. His leadership and passion for the game will undoubtedly bring new perspectives to global rugby discussions and will be instrumental in driving forward the development of the sport at all levels.

Herbert Mensah’s election to the World Rugby Executive Board is a major milestone for African rugby, a significant achievement for Mensah personally, and a powerful signal of the continent’s growing influence in the global rugby arena. As rugby looks toward the future, Mensah’s voice at the highest levels of governance promises to shape the game for years to come.