The Warri axis of Delta State is set to witness the resurgence of rugby activities with the hosting of the Warri Rugby Rumble, a four-day event scheduled from April 4th to 7th, 2025, at the Nana Model College, Warri. This event marks a significant step in revitalizing the sport in the region and promises a thrilling spectacle for rugby enthusiasts.
The centerpiece of the Warri Rugby Rumble is a series of challenge matches between the Edo State rugby male teams, the reigning South South rugby champions, and the Warri Rugby Football Club. These matches will encompass various formats of the sport, including sevens, tens, and the traditional fifteen-a-side game, offering a diverse showcase of rugby skills and strategies. For the Edo State team, recently qualified for the National Rugby League Finals, this encounter serves as a valuable warm-up opportunity, allowing them to fine-tune their gameplay and build momentum ahead of the crucial national competition.
The revival of rugby in Warri is largely attributed to the dedication and efforts of former and senior rugby players in the region, who have worked tirelessly to rekindle interest and create opportunities for the sport to flourish. Victor Nwachukwu, coach of the Warri Eagles Rugby Club and one of the organizers of the event, expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting the significance of hosting the South zonal champions in Warri after a long hiatus. He emphasized the historical connection between Warri and rugby, noting its presence in the area since the early days of oil discovery and the region’s participation in various national rugby tournaments in cities like Lagos, Jos, and Abuja. He also pointed out the contribution of Warri players to the national male rugby teams, underscoring the city’s rich rugby legacy.
The Warri Rugby Rumble owes its genesis to the initiative of Aghogho Peace Ejiro, a former Warri rugby player who has carved a successful career playing professionally in England for the London Chargers Rugby League and the Nigeria Stallion 7’s UK. Ejiro, also a businessman, is using this event as a means of giving back to the community and the sport that shaped him. His personal investment and commitment to promoting rugby in Warri exemplify the power of individual initiative in driving community development and revitalizing local sporting scenes.
The event is expected to draw a diverse crowd of rugby enthusiasts, including visitors from various parts of Nigeria, such as Lagos, Abuja, Edo, and Asaba, as well as international attendees from England. This broad appeal underscores the growing interest in rugby and the potential for the Warri Rugby Rumble to become a prominent fixture on the Nigerian sporting calendar. The event’s success promises to further elevate the profile of rugby in the region and inspire a new generation of players.
The Warri Rugby Rumble has garnered significant support from local authorities, with Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, Chairman of Warri South Local Government, fully endorsing the initiative. This official backing demonstrates the recognition of the event’s potential to positively impact the community, not only by promoting sports development but also by generating economic activity and fostering social cohesion. The collaboration between local government and rugby enthusiasts lays a solid foundation for the sustainable growth of the sport in Warri and the surrounding areas. The Warri Rugby Rumble stands as a testament to the power of community spirit and the potential for sport to serve as a catalyst for positive change.
