By SCM Staff Writer I Wednesday, October 22, 2025
LONDON – THE gloves are off in the battle for equality in rugby, after an African chief delivered a thunderous verdict on ignoring women in the boardroom and on the pitch.
Herbert Mensah, the President of Rugby Africa, slammed old-school attitudes, declaring that anyone who thinks sport isn’t big business is losing out on HALF the cash!
Speaking at the World Rugby General Assembly in London, just days after the record-breaking Women’s Rugby World Cup final, Mensah pulled no punches.
”How can you ignore talent because of gender?” the powerful boss demanded.
“If sport is big business, neglecting women means alienating at least 50% of the world and losing 50% of your profit!”
His fiery comments came as rugby bosses from 134 unions met to chart the future of the game following the smash-hit World Cup, which saw England’s final against Canada pull an unbelievable 81,885 fans—three times the previous record!
The ‘Excellence’ Factor
Mensah insisted that the sport needs to stop being “intimidated by excellence” and open the door for every talented player and leader, regardless of whether they are a bloke or a bird.
He added: “Our athletes are everywhere. Our scientists are around the world, and they’re not just men, they are women. I believe in a global perspective, and you need to give a chance to that child who may be a girl.”
World Rugby has been dragged kicking and screaming into the modern age, with women now holding 42% of the seats on the Executive Board and 38% on the Council.
But World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said the work wasn’t done yet, urging members to “harness the momentum” of the England 2025 tournament, which he called “joyous, bold, brilliant and truly era-defining.”
Mensah backed the push, vowing that Rugby Africa will continue to champion female stars.
”I believe in womanhood,” he said. “This beautiful game of ours requires excellence, and we can’t achieve it with only 50% of us. There is nothing to be afraid of. If sport is big business, then we must embrace women.”
