The Nigerian Rugby League Association (NRLA) has successfully concluded a four-day coaching course, held from January 9th to 12th, 2025, at the CMS Grammar School in Yaba, Lagos. The course, which was conducted by international coaches Philip Smith, Martin Crick, and Stephanus, aimed to educate and re-educate Nigerian coaches and referees to an international standard.
From basics to advanced techniques, Martin Crick covers it all in this comprehensive rugby coaching class
The course, which was attended by local coaches and referees, covered level 1 and 2 coaching and refereeing techniques, with a focus on developing the skills and knowledge of Nigerian personnel to enable them to coach and referee games at a higher level. The international coaches brought their expertise and experience to the course, providing valuable insights and guidance to the local participants.
Stephanus shares expertise in rugby classroom coaching
According to Stephanus, one of the international coaches, the course was designed to evaluate the existing coaches and referees in Nigeria and to provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge to become certified by the European Rugby League (ERL). “We are using an international-based course, which means it’s a standard set by the international board,” he explained. “We are evaluating the coaches and referees against this standard, and if they meet the requirements, they will be certified by the ERL.”
Martin Crick, another international coach, emphasized the importance of the course in developing the game of rugby league in Nigeria. “The course is designed to provide coaches and referees with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop the game in Nigeria,” he said. “We are hoping to train one or two educators in Nigeria who can assist coaches in their development, and provide them with the necessary resources and support to become better coaches and referees.”
Abiodun in a chat with Obi and Chika
Abiodun Olawale-Cole, the chairman of the Nigerian Rugby League Association (NRLA), expressed his gratitude to the international coaches for their expertise and support. “We are trying to become full members of the International Rugby League Association, and this coaching course is one of the final criteria we need to meet,” he said. “We are committed to developing the game of rugby league in Nigeria, and we believe that this course will help us to achieve our objectives.”
The course was also attended by local coaches and referees, including Coach Samson Oluwaseye, Head Coach of NRLA National Women’s Team, Lagos State Commission Rugby Coach.
Also in attendance was Ayo Johnson, who is the head of the Referees for the Rugby League Society in Nigeria. “I participated in the course to help develop the game of rugby league in Nigeria,” he said. “I believe that the course will help us to improve our skills and knowledge, and to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for players.”
The Nigerian Rugby League Association has made significant progress in recent months, with the men’s team winning the last two NBA Cups and the women’s team qualifying for the World Series. The association is committed to continuing to develop the game, and to providing opportunities for Nigerian coaches and referees to gain international experience and exposure.
The successful completion of the coaching course is a major step towards achieving this objective, and the Nigerian Rugby League Association is grateful to the international coaches and the European Rugby League for their support and expertise. The association is committed to continuing to work with international partners to develop the game of rugby league in Nigeria, and to providing opportunities for Nigerian coaches and referees to gain international experience and exposure.
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