All is set for the 2022 Pepsi Abuja Rugby 10’s tournament organised by the Abuja Rugby Football Club (ARFC).
A Press release on Wednesday stated that the Abuja Rugby Football Club (ARFC) is proudly hosting the Pepsi Abuja Rugby 10’s tournament which will bring together teams from across Nigeria to compete for the ultimate title in the city of Abuja .
According to the statement the tournament will be in different categories and trophies and prize monies would be made available for the 1st , 2nd and 3rd place teams.
ARFC captain, Michael Egirani aka Don Michelino said “this is the first rugby tournament held in Abuja in over 20 years and is “To further growth and raise the profile of rugby in Nigeria.
“ARFC is taking the bold step of hosting the first nationwide 10s tournament in Abuja in May to showcase the grassroots talent and the passion of Nigeria’s youth has for the game of rugby”.
The tournament aims to promote rugby in Nigeria and celebrate the skills of Nigerian teams.
The statement also said over 1,000 spectators over the weekend of the tournament.
According to the official statement matches will take place from the afternoon of Friday 13th May and all day Saturday 14th May 2022 in M.K.O Abiola National stadium Package B (Old cricket pitch).
Organizers said matches schedule would reflects how ARFC promotes both rugby and inclusion within the sport as the venue has two pitches and simultaneously there will be men’s full-contact games and Development Teams (made up of ladies, under 18yr old boys, and new players) playing touch
rugby.
Fourteen visiting teams are expected in Abuja for the tournament while a special feature of Ladies 7’s full contact game will be introduced.
Organizers also promise an after-party at the event venue, shortly after the awards ceremony.
ARFC Coach, Daniel Nicolle, said “With the first tournament in Abuja in over 20yrs, ARFC are looking forward to uniting Nigerian teams at the Pepsi Abuja Rugby 10’s tournament 2022.”
ARFC President, Richard Abrakson, is thrilled to be hosting the event stating: “We have been training hard for this tournament and can’t wait to welcome some of Nigeria’s best rugby players to our city, Abuja, the city of unity. This is apt because our club is a community of players from diverse backgrounds. I am sure everyone will see that after some fierce competitions, all the players from Abuja rugby club and from across Nigeria will be united and friends – as often are the case with rugby players around the world.”
Organizers said a detailed match schedule and broadcast timings will be provided at the venue on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th of May.
The 2022 Pepsi Abuja Rugby 10’s tournament is billed for the 13th-14th of May 2022.