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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter

ZIMBABWE Rugby Union (ZRU) president Aaron Jani has been elected into the Rugby Africa executive committee.

Herbert Mensah, a Ghanaian businessman and sports administrator, is the new chairman of Rugby Africa, the governing body of rugby in Africa, following the conclusion of the Rugby Africa Executive Committee Elections held last Saturday in Cape Town, South Africa.

ZRU president, Aaron Jani elected into Rugby Africa executive committee.

Mensah takes over from Khaled Babbou of Tunisia who stood down after serving only one term, having been elected in 2019.

In addition to Jani and Mensah, other members of the executive are Kevin Venkiah, Sofian Aek Benhassen, Adama Bakhoum, Aib Azzouz, Aref Belkhiria, Jurie Roux, Paulina Lanco as well as Rolande Boro.

“I’m very grateful for the privilege and honour that has been bestowed on me by being elected treasurer for Rugby Afrique. This is indeed a momentous occasion.

This is a first for Zimbabwe to hold this position. I’m grateful to the Zimbabwe Rugby Union and all its stakeholders and players who have made it possible for me to stand as are representation of Zimbabwe,” said Jani.

Mensah, who is known for his passion for the sport and his extensive experience in sports administration, will lead the continent’s rugby governing body in the next four years.

In his acceptance speech, Mensah reiterated his passionate vision for the growth of African Rugby. He highlighted that his priority would be to continue the work he has already begun, helping rugby progress and grow not just in Africa, but globally.

Mensah put emphasis on his business experience and stated that he would apply it to Rugby Africa, to generate revenues and development opportunities for all member associations.

Herbert Mensah, a Ghanaian businessman and sports administrator, is the new chairman of Rugby Africa, the governing body of rugby in Africa.

With the 2023 Rugby World Cup to be held in France from September to October, Mensah hopes to use this world-class platform to collaborate with leading international rugby bodies and other associations to raise awareness around African rugby, while gaining much-needed support for the sport.

Rugby will be one of the first competitions on show at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, where Mensah has expectations to see more representation from African teams in the qualifying events. — @innocentskizoe