By Jacob Ajom
Plans by the new Nigeria Rugby Football Federation to develop the sport from the grassroots received a boost as a local company, Promasidor Nigeria Limited has agreed to partner with the federation for that purpose.

The NRFF signed the sponsorship deal with the company to create a youth development programme in public and private schools throughout Lagos state.

Kayode Oguntayo, the CEO of the NRFF said, “This is a historic occasion and is the start of an important partnership between the NRFF and Promasidor” He added, that the programme was tied into the NRFF’s ‘Epic Journey’ that aims to identify the budding local rugby stars.

“These stars will in the future play for the Black Stallions (the Nigerian national rugby team) and will ensure that Nigeria provides a strong rugby team in the 2016 Rio Olympic games.”  A  Rugby Coaching Scheme in Lagos State has also been formed to ensure the sustainability of the youth development programme.

Cowbell Flavoured Milk, one of Promasidor’s premium brands is to be the exclusive sponsor of the Coaching Scheme that will witness a number of National Rugby Coaching Institute (NRCI) accredited & qualified coaches teaching rugby in selected schools throughout the state.

Kayode Oguntayo added, “The scheme will help its pupil participants to learn to play rugby and develop a greater understanding of the game. There will be an emphasis on teaching the greater ethos of the game with a focus on four main tenets: