Ghana wins bid to host 2022 MEA Championships

Ghana is set to host the 2022 Middle East Africa (MEA) Rugby League Championship from September 27 to October 2, 2022. 

This follows the successful bidding of the four-nation tournament by the Rugby League Federation Ghana (RLFG).

It will have in attendance defending champions Nigeria, Morocco and Cameroon for the third edition of the championship. 

President of the RLFG, Nana Prempeh, expressed joy over the chance to host the championship in Ghana, stating that it was a good platform for the government to invest in the sport to achieve growth. 

“We are very happy for winning the bid to host the 2022 MEA Championship. This will aid RLFG to strengthen its relationship with the government, increase awareness to attract more players in various regions and investors to assist the growth of the sport.” 

The General Manager of RLFG, Jafaru Mustapha said the Federation was ready to put up a befitting tournament. 

“I am very confident that the 2022 MEA Championship is at the right place. We will work assiduously to make the event one of the best Africa has ever witnessed.” 

Meanwhile, the European Rugby League interim chair, Graeme Thompson, has thrown his support behind Ghana’s hosting of the championship, stating that the staging of the Championship in Ghana will mark another significant milestone for the nation and the sport. 

The winners of this year’s tournament will get the opportunity to be drawn into the qualification process for the biggest Mundial tournament in 2025. 

Ghana is currently ranked 31st in the world in rugby league and third in the Middle East Africa Region.

BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY

Nana Prempeh – RLFG president