Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah has once again declared his unwavering belief in the sport, boldly placing rugby above football as the world’s greatest game.
Speaking at the launch of the Africa Cup Sevens tournament at the RFUEA Grounds, Mensah called for stronger national support as Kenya positions itself to host a future HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series event.
Herbert Mensah makes passionate call for Rugby support
Joined by Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary H.E. Salim Mvurya, Mensah reminded the gathering of his rich football background to emphasise the depth of his conviction.
“I was the President of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, one of the biggest teams in Africa, but I still say that the greatest sport on earth is Rugby,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd.
Beyond his powerful endorsement, Mensah, who sits on the World Rugby Executive Board, made an earnest appeal regarding Kenya’s bid for major rugby events.
“Hon., I request, as I speak out of terms, that we do something about legacy, we write it off. We need to provide support for the country, Hon. I give you my word, if you can write it off, I will make sure that the HSBC Sevens Series event comes here to Keyan.”
Kenya’s growing Rugby ambition
Mensah expressed confidence in Kenya’s potential, describing the nation as one with the passion, athletic talent, and global goodwill to become a true rugby powerhouse.
“Kenya can achieve global recognition through rugby, not football,” he stated.
His comments come at a pivotal moment for the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), which has submitted a bid to host one of the Division Two tournaments in 2026, proposing Nyayo Stadium as the main venue.
The union is now awaiting final approval from World Rugby.
This is not Kenya’s first attempt at hosting a major series event. In 2013, the KRU bid for a leg of the World Sevens Series, though the proposal did not come to fruition.
Still, Kenya has built a commendable hosting record in recent years. The country successfully staged the 2023 World Rugby Under-20 Trophy, with teams like Scotland, Spain and Samoa, and has hosted the Africa Under-20 Rugby Championship multiple times between 2019 and 2023.
Herbert Mensah calls for collaboration
Mensah reminded stakeholders that international success depends on unity and investment.
“Sport is big business. True growth comes when legislators, regulators, game managers, sponsors and government work together. Kenya’s talent deserves investment and the chance to host Africa’s biggest tournaments,” he said.
As the Africa Cup Sevens kicks off, Mensah’s message echoes loudly: Kenya has everything it takes to become a central hub for African and global rugby, if the support aligns with the vision.