The Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), conducted national trials at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday 10 September 2016, to assess the Rugby talent in Ghana and to try out different combinations.<\/p>\n
In total, 57 men and 13 women took part in the trials conducted by the technical team under direction of Herbert Mensah, President of the GRFU, as well as Simba Mangena (Head Coach of Conquerors SC), Amuzuloh Salim (Head Coach of Cosmos Buffalos RFC and Technical Director of GARA) and Clement Dennis (Head Coach of Griffons Empire SC).<\/p>\n
The men\u2019s 15s trials consisted of two matches played in four quarters of 20 minutes each, with changes made by the technical team after every quarter to test players in different positions and in different teams.<\/p>\n
[contextly_sidebar id=”72QxuKwamSUoZxfFZYBFmXYMkLEdLuBl”] Coaches, players and administrators only had praise for the event and all were unanimous that this first ever Rugby trials requested by the President, Herbert Mensah, was not only an eye opener; but that it indeed laid the foundation for building Rugby to new heights in Ghana.<\/p>\n
According to Simba Mangena, the national Rugby team trials showcased the best local talent available at the moment, and that the trials provided the technical bench with an opportunity to have a good look at the players pre-season form and conditioning.<\/p>\n
Mangena further said, \u201cAfter a sloppy first assignment against Togo a fortnight ago, we decided to cast our net wider and give everyone the opportunity to fight for recognition. The boys really went hammer and tongue and set up a nail biting encounter in the final trial match. I was very pleased to see new faces giving a good account of themselves and will be delighted to blend them into the setup. We have a very hectic international season ahead of us and healthy competition for places in the starting XV will ensure that we have the best squads available to do our country proud.\u201d<\/p>\n
Amuzuloh Salim, Head Coach of Cosmos Buffaloes RFC and part of the national technical team, said that the national Rugby trials was very successful in that all the players who participated showed determination and the ability give their everything for Rugby and for Ghana.<\/p>\n
Clement Dennis, Head Coach of Griffons Empire SC and Technical Director of the CentWest Regional Association, said that the national Rugby trials was a great opportunity for players from various clubs and regions in the country to showcase their skills and abilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were able to try the players in different positions and the Rugby trials also gave the technical team the opportunity to see how the players responded to pressure. It was a great time and we are looking forward \u00a0to have one more session before we depart to Togo for the return leg,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Michael Ako Wilson, captain of the men\u2019s 15s national team, the Ghana Eagles, said that he believes the coaches discovered new talent that can be developed as valuable part of Ghana Rugby.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe as players are ready to go the extra mile with Herbert Mensah to put Ghana on the international stage of world Rugby,\u201d Wilson said.<\/p>\n
Kukua Aggrey, who is leading the development of women\u2019s rugby in Ghana with Rafatu Inusah, said that the trials was significant as it highlighted various aspects that needed improvement such as teamwork and kicking skills.<\/p>\n
She thanked the President, Herbert Mensah, for the initiative and expressed the hope that it will be followed by many more.<\/p>\n
Steve Noi, GRFU Board Member and Tournament Commissioner, said that this was the first ever national trials in Ghana rugby and an indication of the professionalism and importance attached to the growth of Rugby in Ghana.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was an initiative from the President who has always talked about professionalism and competitions at higher levels in working towards recognition by World Rugby. The improvement of the standard of players was key and that was recognised\u00a0on Saturday,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mr Herbert Mensah, President of the GRFU, said he was satisfied that the national Rugby trials met his expectations, but added that a lot more will be needed to fulfill the dream of qualifying Ghana Rugby to take part in a World\u00a0Rugby World Cup tournament.<\/p>\n
\u201cCountries such as Kenya and Argentina achieved \u2018miracles\u2019 through focus and dedication to their dream of entering the world stage of Rugby, and it is not impossible for Ghana Rugby to do the same.\u00a0The biggest stumbling block, namely funding, will however have to be overcome, but the national Rugby trials clearly showed that Ghana has the players with the passion and will excel\u201d he said.<\/p>\n