The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has announced plans to launch the Nigeria Rugby League in November 2026, following the successful securing of support for the competition.

The decision was reached at an emergency board meeting in Abuja, where members deliberated on the league’s structure and format. 

The competition will begin with regional contests, with six regional champions progressing to the national finals, tagged the Super Cup, scheduled for Abuja in February 2027.

NRFF President, Dr. Ademola Are, said the federation had been working behind the scenes to secure the necessary backing for the league, which is expected to strengthen the development of rugby across the country.

Are disclosed that a committee had been constituted to further examine the competition’s format, which is expected to feature six men’s teams and six women’s teams competing for national honours. The committee is expected to submit its report to the board next Thursday.

The NRFF president also revealed that financial support was being considered for the regional competitions, with funds expected to be made available to facilitate the matches. 

Meanwhile, the federation has appointed six team managers to coordinate rugby activities across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, strengthen communication with state rugby associations and ensure timely dissemination of information.