Ghana Rugby boss Herbert Mensah on effects of COVID-19

The President and Board Chairman of Ghana Rugby Mr. Herbert Mensah has revealed what went in for the successful completion of the Ghana Rugby League despite the Coronavirus outbreak.

Sporting activities in most countries across the globe have been suspended until further notice due to the pandemic which is killing thousands in the world.

Ghana has not been spared of the pandemic, with all sports-related activities coming to a standstill following directives from the government to suspend all public gatherings to help mitigate the spread of the disease.

With the Coronavirus pandemic having a great effect on the Ghana Premier League, such could not be said for the Ghana Rugby League.

Speaking with Elton Brobbey on the topic ‘Beyond the Lockdown – Covid-19 impact on sports in Ghana”, Mr. Herbert Mensah disclosed that, the Ghana Rugby League was completed before the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus.

On how they managed to finish the rugby league successfully even before the outbreak of the pandemic, Mr. Mensah stated that, before the season commences, the leadership of the federation planned to advance to finish the league in late February to prevent being hampered by the pandemic.

“Covid-19 is real and it’s a global pandemic of such proportions. The reality, for us at Ghana Rugby understands that we are one of the lesser-known sports. We planned ahead. We were of the fact that by late January we need to be very quick with everything that we are doing because the world is about cash flow.

“We rushed our league through and by the beginning of March we have finished our league, declared winners, handed out medals, and gave out trophies”, he said.

He also discloses the plans the Ghana Rugby is putting in place despite the outbreak of the pandemic and what they intend doing should the disease comes to an end.

“Covid-19 has provided a little bit of issues for us but we need to continue. Our board meetings are done online just like other sports. We have been encouraging our clubs to clubs to reach out to their players and support them. We are also encouraging new skills and practices.

“Currently some are doing online courses. Africa Rugby has online courses for referees and coaches. In the next 30 days, the board members will be engaging in online management courses to improve themselves. If funds come on our way, we will improve skills and abilities to better manage the sports”, he added.