Africa - The New Rugby League Powerhouse?

The Rugby League World Cup is just months away, and it will feature teams from the Pacific and Europe, as well as Lebanon and Jamaica.

If rugby league is to be a truly international sport, it must embrace the emerging competitions in nations that have traditionally been the home to football and rugby union.

This week I had the pleasure to talk with Rachel Aknomah who has been a driving force in promoting rugby league in Ghana, especially the women’s game.

Rachel was a champion triple jumper and hockey player before moving into sports administration.  She fell into rugby league by accident but immediately loved the game due to the values it teaches, such as respect and community.

Rachel has battled against traditional West African patriarchy to assist girls into sport through her programmes such as ‘Pretty Girls Play League’ and “SheLeagues”.  Despite some resistance, she has helped young girls into the sport which has improved the health and fitness of many young girls and women in Ghana.

With the World Cup just a couple of months away, Rachel would like to see African nations have the opportunity to participate in the tournament in 2026.  The rise of rugby league in South Africa, Nigeria, Cameroon and Morocco should see Ghana participate in a qualifying tournament that rewards an African nation or two with representation at the 2026 World Cup.

A champion of women’s rugby league, Rachel cites Sydney Roosters’ NRLW star Corban Baxter as her favourite player. By 2026, young girls in Ghana could be looking up at their own home grown heroes in the Women’s World Cup.

As long as there are advocates like Rachel Aknomah, the dream is getting closer to reality every day.