Warri Set to Host Inaugural Rugby Rumble Tournament in April

Delta State Gears Up for High-Impact Sporting Spectacle 

The city of Warri is poised to make sporting history as it hosts the inaugural Warri Rugby Rumble, a three-day rugby tournament scheduled for April 20–22 at the Warri City Stadium. Organized by the Delta State Rugby Association (DSRA) in partnership with the Nigerian Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), the event aims to spotlight grassroots talent, foster interstate camaraderie, and elevate rugby’s profile in Nigeria’s South-South region. 

Event Highlights 
The tournament will feature men’s and women’s teams from Delta, Edo, Rivers, and Lagos states, alongside guest clubs from Ghana and Cameroon. Matches will run across two divisions: the competitive 15-a-side format and the fast-paced rugby 7s. 

DSRA Chairman, Mr. Efe Omodu, described the event as a “game-changer” for the sport in the region. “The Warri Rugby Rumble isn’t just about competition; it’s about uniting communities and inspiring the next generation of athletes,” he said. “We’re creating a platform for local talent to shine on a national stage.” 

Community Engagement and Youth Focus 
Beyond the matches, the event will include free rugby clinics for secondary school students, led by national team coaches. A keynote address on “Rugby as a Tool for Youth Empowerment” by former Super Eagles sports administrator Dr. Kema Chikwe will headline the opening ceremony. 

Local businesses have rallied behind the event, with major sponsorship from Warri-based energy firm PetroGlobe and sportswear brand Rhino Rugby Nigeria. Community leaders have also praised the tournament’s potential to drive tourism, with hotels and vendors anticipating an economic boost. 

Player Excitement Builds 
Delta Queens’ captain, Aminat Yusuf, expressed enthusiasm: “This is the recognition we’ve worked for. We’re ready to show Nigeria that Warri breeds champions.” 

Future Vision
Organizers plan to establish the Rumble as an annual fixture, with ambitions to attract European scouts by 2025. “This is just the beginning,” Omodu added. “We want Warri to become synonymous with rugby excellence in Africa.” 

Gates open at 9 AM daily. Tickets are available online via SportyBet NG or at designated outlets in Warri, Sapele, and Ughelli.