The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has announced that some players and officials will appear before its disciplinary committee next week following alleged rules violations during last Saturday’s highly anticipated South-West League match between Racing RFC and Cowrie RFC.
The match, held at the Main Bowl of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, witnessed some players disrespecting match officials in its closing moments, prompting the Federation to initiate disciplinary action.
The incident in question arose after a last-minute consolation try by Cowrie’s fly-half, Joshua Rankin, bringing the score to 15-5. As Cowrie prepared for the conversion, several Racing players protested, effectively delaying the kick. The center referee, Ifeanyi Arinze, spent five minutes attempting to restore order on the field. Unable to resume play due to the ongoing disruptions, the referee ultimately canceled the conversion attempt and whistled for full-time, leaving the final score unchanged at 15-5.
In addition to the disruption over the conversion, match officials reported verbal exchanges and instances of abuse directed both at officials and among players themselves. These actions were flagged as breaches of conduct, warranting further review by the NRFF’s disciplinary committee.
The NRFF General Manager, Mr. Azeez Ladipo, who attended the match, spoke out on the need to uphold rugby’s core values, especially discipline, which he emphasized as a fundamental aspect of the sport. “Rugby is the greatest sport, but it relies on respect for its principles,” Ladipo stated. “With rugby’s intensely physical nature, players must operate within firm boundaries to ensure the game remains both safe and fair.”
This upcoming disciplinary hearing highlights the Federation’s commitment to preserving the integrity of the sport, particularly as rugby’s popularity grows in Nigeria. By addressing incidents that challenge the game’s standards, the NRFF aims to foster an environment where players and officials alike uphold the values that make rugby unique. The outcome of the hearing may lead to penalties or other measures designed to reinforce adherence to these values, setting a precedent for fair play and respect across all levels of the league.