This launch positions Ghana as a leader in African women's rugby development, with the program creating sustainable pathways from grassroots to international levels through government and community support.

Ghana has launched the Rugby Rising Play initiative at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium, making it the second African country to implement this World Rugby-supported program aimed at increasing girls' participation in rugby.

The initiative originated from successful pilot programs across nine unions in five regions, which generated high interest, with 66 unions initially seeking participation grants.

During the launch, around 30 girls from 12 schools showcased their rugby skills, demonstrating the program's immediate impact and potential to transform women's rugby participation across Africa.

Ghana Rugby Football Union President Rafatu Inusah outlined long-term goals including developing future coaches, referees, and leaders, along with initiatives like training, safeguarding, and regional festivals to support the sport's growth.

Ghana's rugby milestones include hosting the first CAR North-West Africa Women’s 7s Tournament in Accra, attracting international teams and reflecting the sport’s growing prominence in the country, with pioneers like Gifty Anna Myers expressing pride in the sport’s development since 2003.

Madam Veronica Commey of the National Sports Authority praised the initiative as a groundbreaking step towards transforming girls' participation in sports and stressed the importance of investing in young female athletes.

The Rugby Rising Play program is part of World Rugby’s Impact Beyond 2025 initiative, launched to leverage the momentum of the Women’s Rugby World Cup and promote women’s engagement in rugby globally through strategic pathways and community-building efforts.

The Rugby Rising Play program involves 10 structured sessions designed for teenage girls with no prior experience, aiming to build confidence, teamwork, and foundational skills to enable progression to higher levels of rugby.

Joyce Mahama, President of Women in Sports, encouraged girls to stay dedicated to rugby, emphasizing focus and peer inclusion, while highlighting the importance of protecting athletes from exploitation.