As the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup gears up for a thrilling finale this weekend in Kampala, Uganda, President of Rugby Africa Herbert Mensah is raising critical concerns about the future of the sport on the continent.

In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Mr. Herbert highlighted the stark financial realities stifling rugby’s growth in Africa, stressing the need for immediate and strategic investment.

“I have a budget of 2 and a quarter million for 1.4 billion people,” he revealed.

“For multiple air tickets, for salaries, for competitions. We need to get more countries to understand investing in the youth, changing school curriculums, then we can turn around to World Rugby and say, 'Can you train and make sure we are following a pattern.'

Mensah believes that Africa’s long-term competitiveness in world rugby hinges not only on grassroots development, but also on structural reforms and buy-in from national governments and private sector stakeholders.

“It’s at that point in time that you are gonna see that gulf shrink,” he said, referencing the current performance gap between African nations and global rugby heavyweights.

The 2024 final between Namibia and Zimbabwe is not just a battle for continental glory but a reminder of the potential rugby holds across Africa, if only given the right tools and support.