Why Women’s Leadership is Rugby’s Next Big Win — and Africa’s Role in Driving It
As the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 reached its record‑breaking finale, another milestone was unfolding behind the scenes. At the 17th World Rugby General Assembly in London, leaders from across the globe gathered to reflect on the sport’s future. Among them was Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa, who delivered a message that cut through the formalities:
“We can’t achieve excellence with only 50% of us.”
Breaking Barriers in Rugby Leadership
The panel, titled “Journey of Women’s Representation in Rugby Leadership”, spotlighted the progress and challenges of gender inclusion in the sport. World Rugby’s Executive Board now comprises 42% women, while the Council stands at 38% — figures that would have been unthinkable a decade ago.
Yet, as Mensah reminded the assembly, numbers alone are not enough. “How can you ignore talent because of gender? If sport is big business, neglecting women means alienating at least 50% of the world and losing 50% of your profit.”
His words underscored a truth that resonates far beyond rugby: inclusion is not charity, it’s strategy.
Africa’s Voice on the Global Stage
For Rugby Africa, the issue is not abstract. Across the continent, women’s rugby is growing rapidly, from grassroots programs in Ghana and Nigeria to competitive leagues in Kenya and South Africa. But representation at the leadership level remains uneven.
Mensah’s intervention placed Africa firmly in the global conversation, aligning the continent’s ambitions with the broader movement for equity. “This beautiful game of ours requires excellence, and we can’t achieve it with only 50% of us,” he said. “There is nothing to be afraid of. If sport is big business, then we must embrace women.”
Momentum from the Pitch
The call for leadership inclusion comes at a moment of unprecedented visibility for women’s rugby. The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 final between England and Canada drew 81,885 fans — more than triple the attendance of the previous edition.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson described the tournament as “joyous, bold, brilliant and truly era‑defining.” The surge in attendance and global interest demonstrates that when women’s sport is given investment and visibility, it delivers.
From the Pitch to the Boardroom
The panel also featured Kylie Bates of UN Women, Sol Iglesias of Argentina Rugby Union, and Cathy Wong, President of Fiji’s Olympic Committee. Together, they highlighted the need for systemic change: policies that open pathways for women, mentorship programs, and governance reforms that ensure inclusion is not a temporary trend but a permanent foundation.
For Africa, the challenge is twofold: expanding access to the game for women and ensuring that those who play, coach, and manage also have a seat at the decision‑making table.
Looking Ahead
The 17th World Rugby General Assembly closed with a sense of momentum. Diversity and inclusion are no longer side conversations — they are central to the sport’s future. For Rugby Africa, the message is clear: the continent cannot afford to leave half its talent untapped.
Mensah’s words echo as both a challenge and a vision: rugby’s next era of excellence will be defined not just by what happens on the field, but by who is empowered to lead off it.
