World Rugby Elections: Sport Is A Global Business – President Of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah

“Global rugby is at a cross roads, Rugby is competing for attention and resources alongside other major sports. The complexities of the global economy are making it harder to stand out. We cannot ignore the impact of COVID-19 or global conflicts, nor can we overlook financial struggles.”

Herbert Mensah, the President of Rugby Africa, the governing body of rugby across Africa, (https://www.rugbyafrique.com), emphasises that the upcoming elections for World Rugby represent a critical moment for rugby globally, urging the entire rugby community to embrace a vision that elevates the sport on an international scale.  

“For the global rugby landscape, we need individuals on the executive board who recognise that sports is big business and understands how to foster growth. While we acknowledge the challenges faced, it is now essential to explore innovative ways to generate additional capital. We require leadership that understands the necessity of evolving our approach.” stated by President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah.

The President of Rugby Africa is a candidate for a position on the World Rugby Executive Board in the upcoming elections on Thursday, November 14, 2024. With his proven leadership experience and strategic vision, Mensah is committed to shaping rugby’s future on a global scale, with a business perspective.

Having served as President of Rugby Africa since 2023, Mensah has worked tirelessly to elevate the game across the continent, particularly focusing on expanding rugby’s footprint in emerging regions. He stresses that rugby’s future hinges on evolving the sport both as a global game and as a business, recognising the untapped potential in regional associations, where the game continues to grow in both popularity and competitiveness.

Stressing the urgency for change, President of Rugby Africa declares, “It cannot be business as usual. Global rugby is at a cross roads, Rugby is competing for attention and resources alongside other major sports. The complexities of the global economy are making it harder to stand out. We cannot ignore the impact of COVID-19 or global conflicts, nor can we overlook financial struggles. Every single union that plays rugby is making losses or suffering. It’s time to think seriously about the future of our sport. Time is not on our side; we need bold and courageous individuals on the executive board with a business mindset.” 

“Candidates must be globally minded, recognising that no single area or country holds exclusive rights to rugby. The beauty of this game belongs to everyone, and everyone should have the opportunity to play.”

As the World Rugby elections approach on Thursday November 14, the President of Rugby Africa urges all candidates to champion a vision that truly raises the game for all on a global scale. 

Since his election in 2023, President Mensah has called for a change of mindset from African governments and international organisations to increase investment in rugby across Africa. In June 2023, President Mensah delivered a keynote speech on treating rugby as a lucrative business venture at the Bloomberg New Economy Gateway Africa 2023 event in Marrakech, Morocco. As well as in November 2023, Mr.Mensah was invited to speak on the business potential of sports at the 2023 Africa Investment Forum, organised by the African Development Bank and the 2024 Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.

Click Here for 2023 Bloomberg Economic Gateway Session

Click Here for 2023 Africa Investment Forum

The World Rugby Elections, scheduled for November 14, 2024, will include the election of the World Rugby Chairman and members of the Executive Committee, marking a pivotal moment for the sport’s future. With the successor to Sir Bill Beaumont, following his eight-year leadership, set to take the helm, this election is crucial for shaping rugby’s global trajectory, particularly for regional associations. At the meeting, the 52 members of Council will first elect the new Chair, followed by six Executive Board members, from whom the Vice-Chair will be chosen. 

CHAIRMAN CANDIDATES:

Abdelatif Benazzi (France) nominated by France and seconded by South Africa
Andrea Rinaldo (Italy) nominated by Italy and seconded by Ireland
Brett Robinson (Australia) nominated by Australia and seconded by England

EXECUTIVE BOARD CANDIDATES: 

Regional Association (x1):

Herbert Mensah (Rugby Africa) nominated by Rugby Africa and seconded by South Africa

Qais Al-Dhalai (Asia Rugby) nominated by Asia Rugby and seconded by Fiji
Richard Sapias (Oceania Rugby) nominated by Oceania Rugby and seconded by New Zealand

High Performance Union (South) (x2):
Mark Alexander (South Africa) nominated by South Africa and seconded by France and New Zealand
Bart Campbell (New Zealand) nominated by New Zealand and seconded by South Africa
John Eales (Australia) nominated by Australia and seconded by Oceania Rugby
Agustín Pichot (Argentina) nominated by Argentina and seconded by Sudamérica Rugby

High Performance Union (North) (x2):
Susan Carty (Ireland) nominated by Ireland and seconded by England
Richard Collier-Keywood (Wales) nominated by Wales and seconded by South Africa
Jonathan Webb (England) nominated by England and seconded by New Zealand

Non-High-Performance Union (x1):
Sally Dennis (Canada) nominated by Canada and seconded by Japan
Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi (Samoa) nominated by Samoa and seconded by New Zealand
Sebastian Piñeyrúa (Uruguay) nominated by Uruguay and seconded by Argentina