LONDON, United Kingdom – Ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Finals, Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah joined the “Journey of Women’s Representation in Rugby Leadership” panel at the 17th World Rugby General Assembly, emphasizing Africa’s growing influence in promoting gender inclusion within the sport.

The global gathering, organized by World Rugby, brought together 134 national unions and regional associations to discuss leadership, governance, and the sport’s future direction.

Driving inclusive leadership in rugby

During the panel, Mensah spoke passionately about breaking gender barriers in sports leadership and called for a more inclusive approach to global rugby governance.

“How can you ignore talent because of gender? If sport is big business, neglecting women means alienating at least 50% of the world and losing 50% of your profit,” Mensah said. “You need to give a chance to that child who may be a girl and give strength to men to be strong and not intimidated by excellence.”

World Rugby and its global membership have made major strides toward gender balance, with women now representing 42% of the Executive Board and 38% of the World Rugby Council. The session encouraged reflection on progress achieved, ongoing challenges, and future commitments.

A global push for balance and excellence

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson commended the success of the Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025, describing it as “joyous, bold, brilliant and truly era-defining.” The event drew record-breaking crowds, with 81,885 fans attending the final between England and Canada—more than triple the attendance of 2021.

As the General Assembly concluded, Mensah reaffirmed Rugby Africa’s mission to advance gender equality across the continent, aligning with global efforts for inclusive leadership.

“I believe in womanhood. This beautiful game of ours requires excellence, and we can’t achieve it with only 50% of us. If sport is big business, then we must embrace women,” he said.

The panel also featured Kylie Bates, UN Women Sport Strategy Lead; Sol Iglesias, CEO of the Argentina Rugby Union; and Cathy Wong, President of the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC).