Adebisi Targets Rugby League Reforms After World Cup Deployment in Australia

Nigeria Rugby League Association (NRLA) vice-chairman Ade Adebisi says adopting international administrative best practices is crucial to matching the growing competitiveness of Nigerian athletes on the global stage.

Adebisi, who also serves as the association’s general manager, made the remarks after officials from Nigeria, France and Wales joined the International Rugby League (IRL) World Cup 2026 operations team in Australia for a three-week professional deployment.

The initiative is the first outcome of the IRL’s Accelerator Nation programme, designed to strengthen rugby league development and improve competitive standards worldwide.

Nigeria earned a place in the programme after finishing ahead of four invited applicants from the Middle East and Africa following a selection process conducted by the IRL Strategy Committee.

Adebisi said the experience would help transform the association’s domestic operations, particularly in governance, administration and athlete development.

“What I bring back will go straight into how NRLA operates,” he said.

“Our players have already shown they can compete internationally, and now our administration needs to match that standard.”

He added that the exposure would support stronger systems and a more professional environment for players, coaches and partners.

The Accelerator Nation framework focuses on expanding school and university participation, improving high-performance coaching, organising international tours and creating opportunities for players to join elite foreign clubs.

With support from partner Alaro City, Adebisi said Nigeria was committed to developing both men’s and women’s programmes while strengthening coaching and officiating structures.

The association also hopes to establish an annual Middle East and Africa Championship for men’s and women’s teams to IRL-recognised standards.

Adebisi said Nigeria’s long-term ambition was to host a Women’s Rugby League World Cup, describing the Australian deployment as an important step towards building a sustainable future for the sport.