President, Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Kelechukwu Mbagwu, said that the federation would soon change its name to Nigeria Rugby Football Union (NRFU).

Mbagwu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos that the new name would be effective from June.

He explained that the decision was reached at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the federation held in Lagos over the weekend.

“In line with the international body’s instruction, NRFF is changing its name to Nigeria Rugby Football Union.

“The AGM, which is the first after our constitution was approved by the Sports Ministry and the NOC, sat in Lagos at the weekend to approve the new name.

“We took the decision to comply with the international body’s directive but it will be effective from June,’’ Mbagwu said.

He further said that the meeting deliberated on the successes recorded so far on the development of rugby in various states.

“The AGM also deliberate on National Council on Sports approval of rugby as one of optional sports for the next National Sports Festival, scheduled to hold in Benin, in 200,’’ he said

Mbagwu said that AGM had approved Nigeria hosting of the Africa Silver Cup.

“At the level of the board, we accepted to host the Africa Silver Cup tournament.

The Rugby Africa Cup 2019 Pool A tournament would see Nigeria play host to Madagascar, Botswana and Ghana.

The competition would be an opportunity for the country to increase rugby’s awareness.

Cote d’Ivoire would also play host Senegal, Mauritius and Rwanda in Pool B from June 15 to June 23.

The winner of Pool A would then meet Pool B winner in a final match to determine the Silver Cup champion.