PARIS, France, August 23, 2023/APO Group/ -- Today, during his official visit to France, Herbert Mensah, the new President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, held a meeting with Julien Collette, General Manager of the 2023 Rugby World Cup Organizing Committee to discuss Africa’s participation to the Rugby World Cup. The meeting took place at the iconic France 2023 Headquarters, La Maison de la Mutualité, located in the heart of Paris.

At the forefront of Africa’s participation in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, stand South Africa and Namibia, proudly representing the continent. The presence of these nations exemplifies the continent's growing influence on the global rugby stage. Notably, South Africa's current global champion status and its third-time world champion title are a testament to Africa's exceptional skill, determination, and commitment to rugby.

Africa's population is anticipated to double, reaching a staggering 2.5 billion by 2050, and according to the United Nations, the African youth will constitute 42% of the world's population by 2030. This demographic shift carries tremendous potential for the Rugby World Cup viewership growth, as a larger population naturally translates into a larger potential audience.

To seize this extraordinary potential, it is imperative for World Rugby, the governing body of the rugby and the owner of the Rugby World Cup, to invest significantly in Africa, much like other prominent sports organizations such as FIFA for football, NBA for basketball, and even NFL for American football. By strategically tapping into the growing interest and population of Africa, World Rugby can not only boost the viewership of the Rugby World Cup but also foster a lasting passion for rugby within the continent, contributing to the sport's global expansion and long-term success.