Young rugby players compete at the debut Rugby School 7s Tournament in Lagos, aimed at boosting grassroots development.
Lagos will welcome young rugby talent this weekend as Rugby School Nigeria, Lekki, stages the inaugural Rugby School 7s Tournament on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
The tournament aims to address a key gap in Nigeria’s sports development: the absence of structured pathways for young rugby players.
Organisers say the competition will not only showcase emerging talent but also strengthen grassroots systems needed to grow the sport nationwide.
Eight men’s teams and four women’s teams will compete in the 7s format and Leading clubs such as Cowrie RFC, Zaria RFC, Racing RFC, Nigeria Police RFC, The Kings RFC and AJ Sharks Academy will lead the men’s lineup.
In the women’s category, AJ Sharks Academy, Cowrie RFC and Nigeria Police RFC are among the contenders.
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Dr Adam England, Director at Rugby School Nigeria, described the tournament as a turning point for the sport’s development.
“If just one percent of Nigeria’s 180 million youths take up rugby, that’s 1.8 million players. And if one percent of those reach elite level, you have 18,000 top athletes,” he said. “That journey begins now and it starts this Saturday.”
Beyond the on-field action, the event serves as the launchpad for a long-term programme aimed at widening rugby access, nurturing elite prospects and building a sustainable talent pipeline for both boys and girls.
Organisers say they expect a vibrant atmosphere, with young players showcasing speed, teamwork and ambition as rugby continues its steady rise in Nigeria.
The Rugby School 7s is designed to evolve into one of West Africa’s leading platforms for school and club rugby, offering students a competitive and structured environment to learn and grow.
Writing by Arinzechi Chukwunonso
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