The Nigeria men’s rugby team, called the Stallions, is gearing up for the next phase of their Rugby Africa Men’s 7s campaign, set to kick off with a challenging match against South Africa. Scheduled for Saturday at 05:22 GMT (09:22 local time) at the Labourdonnais Sports Club in Mapou, Mauritius, Umpire Sports has reported on their preparations.
According to the Nigeria Rugby Federation, the team is in excellent spirits and poised to showcase a formidable performance in this second round of the tournament.
The federation has praised Coach Steve Lewis for his positive impact on the team, noting significant improvements observed during the initial three games. The team’s determination and growth have been particularly inspiring, with rigorous training sessions throughout the week preparing them for the upcoming matches.
During the first round, Nigeria competed in Pool A, where they faced tough competition against teams like Kenya, Madagascar, and Mauritius.
Despite facing challenges, the Stallions managed to secure a memorable victory over Tunisia, securing a 10th-place finish overall. This win was a significant achievement, marking their first victory since establishing a partnership with FlovalexNRFF, which has provided crucial support to the team’s development.
The team faced additional challenges during the first round due to the absence of their two captains. Despite this setback, the team rallied together, with eight new players stepping up admirably to fill leadership roles and contribute to the team’s success on the field.
The federation highlighted the players’ resilience and adaptability as key factors in their performance, emphasizing the importance of their collective effort in achieving positive results.
This year’s Rugby Africa Men’s 7s tournament is breaking new ground by being split into two rounds at the Labourdonnais Sports Club. The first round, held from June 29 to 30, provided valuable experience and insights for all participating teams, setting the stage for an even more competitive second round on July 6-7.
Twelve nations are competing across both rounds, each vying for the highest points to claim victory in this prestigious tournament. Looking ahead, the Nigeria Rugby Federation remains optimistic about the Stallions’ prospects in the remainder of the tournament.
The team’s recent successes and ongoing development underscore their commitment to advancing rugby in Nigeria and competing at the highest levels on the African continent. As they prepare to face South Africa and other formidable opponents in the coming days, the Stallions aim to build on their momentum and continue making strides in international rugby.
