The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has unveiled its comprehensive 2026 calendar of activities, outlining an expanded domestic structure and a renewed drive to reposition women’s rugby on the continental stage.

The federation’s media coordinator, Tolu Oguntimehin, made this known in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos and made available to journalists.

According to the release, the roadmap focuses on grassroots growth, youth development, high-performance pathways, and stronger international competitiveness in both the 7s and 15s formats.

The statement also disclosed that the 2026 season would feature expanded domestic competitions, representing one of the federation’s most comprehensive frameworks in recent years.

“A National 7s Circuit for both men and women across host states such as Kano, Lagos, Delta, and Edo, a six-zone National 15s League (North, South West, South East, South South), culminating in national finals in Abuja.

Also unveiled are, “Youth tournaments including Get Into Rugby 2.0 (U13 & U18) and Rugby 7s at the National Youth Games (U15).

“Community and school competitions such as the Golden 7s Schools Tournament and National Open 7s (U18).

“International exposure through the Africa Cup 7s (Men) in Mauritius and other invitational fixtures,”it said.

According to the federation, the structure is designed to increase match exposure, strengthen talent identification, and ensure nationwide participation.

The statement further noted that women’s rugby, which had returned to the continental stage as a major highlight of the 2026 agenda, would serve as a catalyst for the revitalisation of Nigeria’s women’s rugby programme.

It said the NRFF had submitted a bid to host the Africa Cup Women’s 7s Regional Qualifier in Lagos/Ogun State.