NRFF appoints Bronson Weir as Black Stallions new coach

By Akeem Lawal

Bronson Weir

THE Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has appointed South African rugby expert, Bronson Weir as Head Coach of the senior national rugby team, Black Stallions, Sportsbiz247.blogspot.com reports.

The former Kenya Rugby Sevens development coach, who won the 2012 Africa 7s championship with Kenya, also guided Belhar RFC to Darling 7s victory in Cape town South Africa in 2016. His appointment will see him reunite with Black Stallions’ speedstar Christian Ogar who played under him at Belhar RFC.

Weir with Ogar at Belhar RFC

Nigeria Rugby Football Federation President (NRFF), Kelechukwu Mbagwu revealed this appointment while given one year stewardship of his board in a press conference in Lagos on Thursday, said the lifting of suspension on the body by the Rugby Africa, has allowed Nigeria back on international scene.

Mbagwu addressing journalists 

Mbagwu said Weir is expected to be in charge when the Black Stallions engage in an international match against Super 16 Champions, Niger Republic in Niamey on the 11th of August and Ghana on a yet to be fixed date. Nigeria will also be attending the African Rugby Regional 7s in Cote d’Ivoire in September 16-17 2018.

He said that Rugby Africa will use the international matches to assess the ability of the Nigerian team.

“We have put a solid constitution in place, we’ve got seasoned administrators running rugby, we’ve got a Rugby House a base for the running of rugby. So for me, these are the critical achievements I will like people see. That we have put in place, a solid foundation for the smooth running of rugby in Nigeria. 

“I believe we have the best chance of victory at the African Rugby Regional 7s which will qualify us to move up to the next stage in the Rugby 7s rankings in Africa. On the international match against the Super 16 champions Niger Republic and Ghana, I am fully confident that we will have a convincing victory and showcase Nigerian rugby at its best.

“This time around, that is not where we are going to stop.Nigeria has the potential, we’ve got the ability, natural physique for rugby and I believe we should be among the top three teams in Africa.”