Benin Welcomed by World Rugby Chairman Brett Robinson

The World Rugby Council has approved Benin’s application for Associate Member status at it’s meeting in London on 23 September. The move takes the number of full and associate members of World Rugby to 134.

More than two thirds of countries around the world, as recognised by the United Nations, now have a member or associate member union within World Rugby, cementing the sport’s place as a truly global game.

The Government of Benin has identified sport as one of its key drivers of economic and social development. Benin’s Associate Membership of World Rugby will unlock better support to growth rugby in Benin and to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s broader development vision through the power of sport.

The Benin union is a member of Rugby Africa, the regional body for rugby on the African continent.

Welcoming Benin, World Rugby Chair Dr Brett Robinson said: “I am delighted that Benin has joined the World Rugby family as an associate member. I would like to congratulate their union and all in the country who have made this moment a reality.

“Rugby is a sport which continues to grow around the world, reaching more and more places, players and fans. I look forward to watching Benin’s journey in our sport and seeing how far they can go.”

President of Rugby Africa Herbert Mensah added “I couldn’t be happier for the Benin union. World Rugby Council have voted, the regions have voted, they’ve done the hard work to get here. It is unions like Benin who are the future of our sport and today is a great day for all involved.”

Hervé Assogba, President of the Benin Rugby Union said: “On behalf of the Government of Benin, we express our deep gratitude to World Rugby for the trust placed in our country through this appointment. This recognition is not only an honour, but also an encouragement to continue our efforts for the development of rugby in Benin. It reflects our nation’s desire to fully invest in the promotion of this sport and its universal values.”