Ghana Rugby Union’s Herbert Mensah beat outgoing Rugby Africa vice-president Andrew Owor in the race for the continental body’s presidency.
Mensah swept the polls, collecting thirty votes against Owor’s one to become Rugby Africa’s first Anglophone President. The election was held during an elective assembly in Cape Town, South Africa on Saturday.
In his acceptance speech, Mensah pledged to make Rugby Africa the gold standard for sports administration in Africa.
“As we embark on this journey, I want us to project rugby as an alternative team sport, gain financial independence and improve the World Rugby Elite Program. My aim is to make Rugby Africa the gold standard for sports administration in the African continent,” he said.
Mensah will lead Rugby Africa for the next four years, overseeing a cycle that includes two Rugby World Cup events and the Olympic Games.
“My vision for the next four years is to foster an all-inclusive competition framework that will provide members equal opportunities to grow and develop. I am also determined to build a positive and strong brand for Rugby Africa, expand the women’s rugby program, and provide a national stadium for each member association,” he added.
Uganda suffered a double blow as Owor’s successor Godwin Kayangwe at URU also lost in the election for Ordinary Members on the committee. Kayangwe garnered fifteen out of 208 votes, one place below the seven members needed to form the committee.