According to Rafatu Inusah, Ghana Rugby Board Women’s representative, it was a great day for ladies not only coming together to play and have fun but to discuss the way forward of Women’s Rugby in Ghana.

“Clearly, the women are really ready to push themselves and committed to a call. Even though it was a holiday, the committed ladies and for love of Rugby, made their way to come and play Rugby to celebrate WOMEN IN RUGBY,” Inusah said.

Mr Herbert Mensah, President and Board Chairman of Ghana Rugby, said from his home in the UK that he was delighted about the event and that it underscores his and his administration’s commitment to the cause of Women In Rugby.

“We have a dream!  Allow me to use this famous phrase by referring to our dream of taking  Women’s Rugby in Ghana to become Africa’s powerhouse of WOMEN IN RUGBY,” Mensah said.

World Rugby is placing a high premium on Women’s Rugby and tournaments include the Women’s World Cup, HSBC Women’s Sevens Series as well as participation in the Olympics.

Ghana Rugby also made history this year by incorporating a Women’s Sevens leg as part and parcel of their annual domestic league, the Ghana Rugby Club Championship.

Herbert Mensah on women rugby

Source: Ghana Rugby

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Ghana Rugby’s participation in the tournament followed its acceptance as full member of World Rugby on 10th May 2017, and after it managed to convince the governing body, Rugby Afrique, to include Ghana even though it was unranked by both World Rugby and Rugby Afrique.

The first match of the tournament was a great surprise to all involved when Ghana (ranked 9th for the tournament) managed to draw 19-19 against Tunisia who are ranked 4th in the tournament.

Even though the Ghana Eagles did not manage to win another match in the “Pool of Death” against Uganda (1), Morocco (5) and Zambia (8), everybody was in agreement that Ghana was unlucky not to have proceeded to the next stage, and that their kickoff towards the quest for participation in global competitions was solid and impressive.

Mr. Herbert Mensah, President and Board Chairman of Ghana Rugby, said in an interview from Ghana that he obviously hoped for a better result, but he remains proud that the Ghana Eagles showed the rugby world that they are not to be underestimated in years to come.

“Ghana Rugby was probably the only team that had no match practice prior to the tournament and this was the first time that we have ever been exposed to the “big” stage of Rugby,” Mensah said.

He further noted that, he was proud of the players and technical bench who have managed to get Ghana Rugby on a ranking list of Rugby Afrique for the first time in its history.

Ghana Rugby managed to get pro-bono technical support from the All Stars Sevens Rugby Academy in South Africa, through the facilitation of Willem Strauss, a well-known sports promoter.

Ludwiche van Deventer, head coach of the All Stars Academy, assisted the Ghana Rugby coach with preparations for the tournament. Mensah expressed his sincere appreciation for the support and said that fruitful discussions were held about continuing relationships between the parties.

“The ranking as number nine on the Rugby Afrique men’s sevens list rounded off a year of exceptional achievements in a very short space of time. Ghana Rugby achieved to become full members of World Rugby since my administration, and I took office on 5th June 2016 in fewer than three years.

“In addition, we hosted a very successful Rugby Afrique Regional Challenge tournament in May, that we managed to win. Ghana Rugby currently tops the challenge table,” Mensah remarked.

Mensah also expressed his gratitude personally and on behalf of Ghana Rugby which “engineered” Mission Kampala and made it possible.

“Thanking the Ghana Rugby Family & Friends for their contributions is always the most difficult task as you are bound to leave someone out. We thank anybody and everybody who supported us and will do so on an individual basis as well.

“I will forget if I don’t mention Rugby Afrique for everything to do with Mission Kampala, the Uganda Rugby Union for being a fantastic host, the Panafrican Equipment Group and Golden Tulip Accra for their sponsorship, Willem Strauss Marketing for facilitating technical support from South Africa, the numerous volunteers in Ghana, and everybody else,” Mensah remarked.

The Africa Men’s Sevens tournament was won by Uganda with Zimbabwe in second place.

The two teams, therefore managed to achieve the exceptional honours of participation in the 2018 World Rugby Sevens Cup in San Francisco, the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia, and the World Series Qualifier tournament in Hong Kong in 2018.

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Source: 3news.com

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This is part of the qualification for the sevens rugby world cup 2018, the commonwealth games, and the World Series Repechage tournament in Hong Kong.

As the only unranked team to qualify for the tournament in Kampala, the Ghana Eagles are poised to prove themselves on the Africa Rugby stage with giants like Uganda, Namibia, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Morocco, Senegal and Botswana participating in the tournament to take place in Kampala, Uganda between 6-7 October 2017.

The Ghana Eagles qualification came on the back of Ghana rugby’s qualification as a full member of world rugby in a record time of fewer than three years, under the leadership of Herbert Mensah as President.

The Golden Tulip Hotel has consistently supported the Ghana Rugby football team in diverse ways as a lesser known sport in Ghana.

The National sevens team took the opportunity to visit the hotel prior to their departure to show appreciation to one of Ghana’s best hotels for their continuous support and world-class hospitality.

In an exciting and serene atmosphere, the national rugby team, led by President of Ghana Rugby football union, Mr. Herbert Mensah, did a photo shoot with managers of the hotel whiles players did some on-the -pitch war cry to demonstrate their preparedness for the tournament.

Mr. Herbert Mensah thanked Golden Tulip Accra hotel management for hosting the national rugby team and for their continuous support, and encouraged the Ghana Eagles to make an impact in Kampala and raise the Flag of Ghana high.

He also called on corporate Ghana to join key sponsor, PAN AFRICAN GROUP, KOMATSU in supporting the Ghana Eagles in their quest to take Ghana Rugby to the global stage.

In a related development, the Ghana Eagles also briefly spent time at ESCAPADES CAFE to show appreciation to the management for their support to the team during their preparations towards the Kampala tournament.

The Ghana Eagles are expected back in Accra on Sunday October 8 2017.
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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Mr. Mensah was re-elected in late September after his immense contributions to rugby in the country within a short period at the helm of affairs got the marginalized sports to be loved by many in Ghana, gaining international recognition.

His stewardship opened the doors to Ghana Rugby to take part in qualifiers for World Rugby, Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and Hong Kong Sevens tournaments.

Due to his leadership prowess and influence, Mr. Mensah was again appointed Board Chairman of the GRFU following his election onto the board in September 2017.

The World Rugby on Monday October 2, 2017, sent a congratulatory message to the GRFU president.

The statement jointly signed by Bill Beaumont and Brett Gosper, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of World Rugby, indicated the willingness of the world rugby union to continue to work with Mr. Mensah and his board.

“On behalf of World Rugby, I wish to congratulate you on your re-election as President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union and further congratulate the new Ghana Rugby Football Union Board on its election at the recent Ghana Rugby Football Union Annual General Meeting. We look forward to continuing to work with you and the Board going forward. Congratulations Herbert Mensah” the statement said.
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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

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This tournament serves as the qualifier for the Sevens Rugby World Cup 2018, the Commonwealth Games, and the World Series repechage tournament in Hong Kong.

Ghana Rugby got into this tournament because it qualified as a full member of World Rugby on 10 May 2017 in a record time of less than three years under the administration of Herbert Mensah as President.

Eight other teams automatically qualified for the tournament, namely Uganda, Namibia, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Morocco, Senegal and Botswana. Because Rugby Afrique could not organise a qualifier playoff between the other possible three teams – Mauritius, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana – the executive committee drew in a transparent and unbiased fashion between the three countries.

Ghana came out first, then Mauritius and then Cote d’Ivoire.

According to Herbert Mensah, the President of Ghana Rugby, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity presented to Ghana Rugby.

“I have little doubt that Ghana Rugby is by far the underdog of the ten teams and may have a very slim chance to make the cut in 2017. The fact that we got this chance was not just luck. It took enormous effort and huge amounts of money to get in the position to even be considered,” Mensah said.

Ghana Rugby has already confirmed its participation to Rugby Afrique.

Sevens Rugby has become very popular with Rugby fans due to the fast and furious pace of the format, compared to 15s Rugby. It differs in that only seven players take to the field compared to 15, and a match is played in two halves of seven minutes each compared to 40 minutes in the 15s format of the game.

Sevens Rugby has also been readmitted as Olympics sport since Brazil 2016 and forms part of the Commonwealth Games menu of sports. World Rugby also hosts a Sevens Rugby World Cup as well as the very popular World Rugby HSBC Sevens Series that takes place annually and is being played in ten different countries.

African teams that have performed well in the Sevens Rugby format include South Africa’s Blitzbokke, who won the 2016/17 HSBC Sevens Series, Kenya, Namibia and Uganda.

Kenyan Rugby was transformed by the unexpected and very good performance of the team on the Sevens Rugby circuit. Their success in this format has also ensured an inflow of money for the Kenya Rugby Union through sponsorships.

Herbert Mensah said that Ghana Rugby will pull out all stops to make Ghanaians proud of the Ghana Eagles, the Ghana National Rugby team.

“We have demonstrated that with the combination of passion, good governance and hard work the impossible can be overturned into achievement. Becoming a full member of World Rugby in just three years was but one example of our determination to fly Ghana’s flag high.

“This opportunity to qualify for various Rugby world tournaments is another impossible challenge that we will tackle with everything we have and can muster,” Mensah said.

According to the Ghana Rugby President, the participation of Ghana in the Kampala tournament will once again require substantial financial support.

The Union plans to reach out to government and corporate Ghana to join hands with Ghana Rugby to reap the benefits of being associated with the success story that is in the making.

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

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The Rugby family in Ghana is in great anticipation of the clash between the giants, Cosmos Buffalos RFC and Conquerors SC, who will face each other in the finals that is scheduled for kick-off at 2:00pm on Saturday.

Buffalos ruled the domestic championship for many years; but were displaced as champions by Conquerors in the 2015/16 season. Many see this as a revenge match that will be fiercely contested.

Griffons RFC and Lions RFC reached the semifinals of the 2016/17 Ghana Rugby Club Championship (GRCC), but were beaten by the finalists, and will face each other in the 3rd Place Playoff that is scheduled for kickoff at 11:00am.

According to the President of Ghana Rugby, Herbert Mensah, the dream will always be to take the Ghana Eagles, the national Rugby team, to the Rugby World Cup.

“Strong national teams are only possible if there is a strong and keenly contested domestic league with strong and growing Clubs as foundation for the national team,” Mr Mensah said.

According to the Tournament Commissioner, Mr Steve Noi, the finals and 3rd place playoff is the culmination of many weeks of “blood, sweat and tears” by ten teams who competed on a pool basis in Accra and CentWest.

He added that, “The GRCC is the flagship men’s 15s tournament in Ghana, and the GRFU is working very hard to have a domestic competition in 2018/19 that will include both women and juniors.”

The captain of Cosmos Baffalos, Michael Ako Wilson, said they are not surprised at the fact that Buffalos are once again in the finals of the GRCC.

“We are not surprised; but we are in the competition to enjoy ourselves and to test our level of improvement. Winning the much sought after GRCC trophy will be fantastic, but that is not what it is all about,” Wilson said.

Mr. Lovemore Kuzorera, head coach of Conquerors, said that rugby is more than just a sport to his team but that it is a lifestyle.

“Rugby is a fantastic sport that in the words of our President Mr. Herbert Mensah, it’s a builder of character due to its foundation of values that underline the game, namely integrity, passion, teamwork, discipline and respect, “he said.

Mr Kuzorera said that Conquerors will obviously go full out to beat their rivals, Buffalos, but it will always be done in a spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity.

“May the best team win,” Kuzorera declared.

The event will also host a women’s 7s match that will be played at 1:00pm between the 3rd place playoff and the finals.

Rugby Union is the second biggest sport in the world after football.

The Rugby World Cup in 2015, enjoyed a global audience of 120 million plus viewers, and more than 6.6 million players across 120 countries participate in rugby on a regular basis.

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By: citifmonline.com/Ghana

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The ladies sevens team led by Kukua Aggrey and Rafatu Inusah, played two matches during the men’s 15s match break and another one after the men.

According to Simba Mangena, one of the men’s fifteens Ghana Eagles coaches, there has been a general improvement in communication in all departments with good coordination in the back three.

Mangena said that, Cosmos flanker Raymond Ata had a sterling performance that exhibited good work rate off the ball.

In addition, there has been good improvement in tactical play at the line-out. Areas, according to Mangena, that need attention are urgency at the breakdown, decision making in attack, final passes after breaking the defence line and running lines.

Amuzuloh Salim, another Ghana Eagles coach, said the trial match went well despite an early shock try from the B team.

According to him, the coaches are in general satisfied that they have two strong sides that provide the technical bench with options should it be required.

“We appreciate the opportunity and will be very happy if more such trial matches can be scheduled so that the players get to know each other very well,” he said.

The captain of the A team, Michael Ako Wilson, said he was happy with the levels of discipline and communication, and the fact that no injuries were recorded.

“As the playing body we see a great future for Ghana Rugby and all players must be ready to go that extra mile with the administration to achieve the best for the nation in the upcoming international matches against Niger, Togo and Nigeria,” he said.

The period from now to December, will be a very busy time for the Ghana Rugby family with U-20 and women’s sevens trials coming up, followed by another men’s fifteens trial match, an international friendly against Niger on the and the possibility of further international matches as part of the just established WARS (West Africa Rugby Series) tournament organisation.

The Ghana Rugby Club Championship (GRCC), is also scheduled to kick off with ten Club teams from the Greater Accra Rugby Association (GARA) and CentWest that will battle for top honours in this year’s league.

The GRCC was won by Conquerors SC earlier this year when they dethroned previous champions Cosmos Buffalos RFC.

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By: Citifmonline.com

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Despite being loaned to Sochaux for the second part of last season, the player was considered as not being a part of new manager Marcelo Bielsa’s plans for the new season and thus was forced to look elsewhere for first-team action.

Ayew is pleased at the switch and he explained that the outlay of Lorient made the decision to sign easy on his part.

“The style and quality of players talked about here suit me perfectly. I am equally impressed with the infrastructures at Lorient. They will help us to work well and thus, we will improve over time.

I will will try to bring my experience to the group so that we can reach the collective goals set by the club,”said Ayew to the club’s official website, www.fclweb.fr on Monday soon after signing.

The club’s Director Arnaud Tanguy expressed their pleasure at gaining the services of the 22-year old who was part of Ghana’s 2014 World Cup team in Brazil.

” We are very happy at this arrival. It is a bet for the future and it shows how willing we are, as a club, to continue with his development. Jordan comes to Lorient to take up a sporting challenge and to place his talents at the service of Lorient in order that we get to new ambitious heights.”

The club finished 8th last season with 49 points.

Ayew, who will be wearing the number 11 jersey at Lorient, leaves Marseille after playing in the senior side since 2009 with 111 appearances and 14 goals. He will be teaming up with Cameroonian forward Vincent Aboubakar and former Arsenal striker Jeremy Aliadiere.

By: Nathan Quao/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Fatau Dauda (7/10)

Fatau Daudu was at his utmost against the Koreans in Monday’s warm-up game. The Orlando Pirates shot stopper put in timely saves in both the 23^rd and 35^th minute to deprive both Park Chu Young  and Son Heung Min glaring opportunities at goal. However, Dauda struggled to deal with aerial balls as he was often found flapping crosses and corners that were swung into Ghana’s 18 yard box.

Kwadwo Asamoah (8/10)

There’s simply one word to describe Kwadwo Asamoah output during the game. He was “superb”. The Juventus wing back gave the stars options in attack whenever they surged forward. He also tracked back in time to support the likes of John Boye and Jonathan Mensah whenever they seemed to struggle in defense.

Jonathan Mensah (7/10)

Jonathan Mensah and John Boye’s partnership in the early minutes of the game was a bit jittery . But both center halves settled eventually as the game went on. Jonathan Mensah looked solid at the back as he cleared and headed threatning shots and crosses away from the Ghanaian defense.

John Boye (7/10)

John Boye also proved to be a vital force for the Stars at the back. The Rennes defender, brought his vast experience to bear to halt counter attacks and also sweep away crosses from defense. He proved crucial in the dying minutes of the first half as he blocked a goal bound shot from Koo Ja Cheol to ensure Ghana kept a clean sheet.

Harrison Afful (5/10)

Unlike the Netherlands game where he put up a splendid performance, Harrison was below par in yesterday’s game against the South Koreans. The lanky fullback struggled to cope with the pace of the Korean left back thus causing his position to be exploited on several occasions.

Rabiu Mohammed (8/10)

Rabiu Mohammed was also another standout performer in the game. The Rubin Krasanodar midfielder brought his bullish instincts to bear as he marshaled the Ghanaian midfield to provide Sulley Muntari the needed  room to think and feed the forwards with the right balls.

Sulley Muntari (8/10)

His experience and leadership at the  heart of midfield was obvious for everyone that watched the game. Sulley Muntari distributed the needed balls to the forwards and covered the Ghanaian back four on several occasions to ensure the Koreans were kept at bay.

Kevin – Prince Boateng (8.5/10)

He was the attacking engine of the Black Stars in the match against the Koreans. Kevin Prince Boateng initiated several counter attacking moves and was the linchpin for his colleagues in midfield. His efforts eventually paid off  in the 10^th minute as a telepathic play between himself and Andre Ayew landed Ghana our first goal via Jordan Ayew.

Andre Ayew (8/10)

Andre Ayew proved a handful for the Korean’s each time he run at the Korean defense. Andre Ayew also provided cover for Kwadwo Asamoah whenever he joined attack. Andre Ayew could have doubled Ghana’s lead in the 15^th minute but missed a glaring chance after Kevin Prince Boateng  put him through on goal.

Asamoah Gyan (8.5/10)

Captain, “Baby Jet” Asamoah Gyan did not have an easy game as he was tightly marked by the Korean defense. However, Asamoah Gyan lit up the stadium in the 44^th minute when he stole the ball from midfield and dashed off  to cooly finish at the near post for the Back Stars.

Abdul Majeed Waris (N/A)

Was replaced after just six minutes in the first-half as he picked up a knock on left knee.

Jordan Ayew  (9/10)

Undoubtedly the man of the match. The Marseille forward’s hat-trick was undeniably the highlight of yesterday’s game. Jordan was introduced into the game in the 10^th minute after Waris picked up a knock. The Marseille forward immediately settled into the game and bagged in 3 goals to provide a crucial win prior to the World Cup in Brazil.

Black Stars starting XI

Fatau Dauda; Harrison Afful, Kwadwo Asamoah, John Boye, Jonathan Mensah, Rabiu Mohammed ( replaced by Afriyie Acquah); Kevin-Prince Boateng (replaced by Christian Atsu) Sulley Muntari (replaced by Agyemang Badu)  Asamoah Gyan (replaced by Mubarak Wakaso) Majeed Waris( replaced by Jordan Ayew)  (Andre Ayew replaced by Albert Adomah)

By: Benjamin Epton Owusu/Citifmonline.com/Ghana

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