Rugby legend, Mtawarira, wants to develop game in Nigeria

A member of South Africa’s 2019 Rugby World Cup winning squad, Tendai Mtawarira, has revealed that African countries need to invest more in developing the game of rugby. He also said he would love to help in developing the sport in Nigeria. In this exclusive interview, the Zimbabwe-born Rugby legend who had 117 caps during […]

A member of South Africa’s 2019 Rugby World Cup winning squad, Tendai Mtawarira, has revealed that African countries need to invest more in developing the game of rugby.

He also said he would love to help in developing the sport in Nigeria.

In this exclusive interview, the Zimbabwe-born Rugby legend who had 117 caps during his stint with Springbok before his retirement, advised that African countries need to create a conducive atmosphere for the game to thrive, saying that South Africa gives more attention to the game.

“I was privileged to play at the highest level in South Africa for 15 years and I got to win a World Cup title. I understand rugby plays an important role in South Africa. We are blessed to have young people coming through the pipeline,” he said. 

Mtawarira, the Brand Ambassador of Health Grade in Nigeria, explained that growing the sport from school and especially at the grassroots level will help in producing star players for the country. 

“If you want to grow the game, you go to the grassroots which is the school, so that is where you have to start investing and you start teaching the young people and then they will go through the level and then you get better. 

“I would love to come to Nigeria and introduce rugby, especially to schools, youths, and do some coaching. I will also bring along some of my friends who are also world champions.

“I have seen a lot of Nigerians in American football which is great but I just think that there are so many young people here that are interested in rugby. With them, Nigeria can be a star team in the future,” he said.