The Bradford Bulls Foundation and Bradford Bulls Rugby League Club are delighted to announce a new groundbreaking partnership with Nigerian Rugby League team in Lagos. The partnership will see Rugby League team ‘Lagos Haven’ rebranded as Lagos Bulls. The partnership between the ‘Bulls’ and Lagos Haven RLFC marks an incredible opportunity to exchange knowledge, expertise, and resources in order to support the development of rugby in Nigeria and unearth talent among the local players. Furthermore, this alliance will enable the UK club to extend its reach beyond its borders and contribute to the global growth of rugby.
Lagos Haven RLFC was formed in 2019 in collaboration with Whitehaven RLFC. We have had an incredibly successful few years and are one of the few clubs to have winning teams in all age relevant groups for both Male and Female players. Lagos Haven RLFC’s Chairman setup Ibudó Academy to develop the game in the country and can now boast over 2000 kids under their coaching programs, either at the schools, in the community or at the academy. We have become the main pathway for players in Lagos for State selection as well as for lagos clubs competing in the leagues.”
The Bulls have a long-standing commitment to nurturing talent and supporting community initiatives, making this partnership an ideal opportunity to share their experience and offer valuable guidance to Lagos Bulls RLFC. Through this collaboration, The Bulls will provide technical assistance, mentorship programs, and coaching clinics to enhance the skills and knowledge of the Nigerian club’s players and coaching staff.
Additionally, The Bulls will extend its support to by donating equipment, jerseys, and training resources, reflecting their dedication to fostering a sustainable and successful rugby culture in Nigeria.
The partnership will facilitate exchange programs, where players and coaching staff from both clubs will have the opportunity to visit each other’s facilities, learn from one another, and strengthen the bond between their respective rugby communities. This initiative will not only enhance the players’ technical abilities but also create a sense of camaraderie and friendship between the UK and Nigerian rugby communities.
Nigel Wood, Chairman of the Bradford Bulls said “We are delighted to assist and support Nigeria Rugby League on their endeavours to promote the sport in Africa.”
Bolu Fagborun,CSR Director at the Bradford Bulls Foundation said “It’s a great step in bringing awareness to the Nigerian community in both countries and to getting them involved in rugby league and all its benefits on and off the pitch. We already have a Nigerian International, Daniel Okoro here and this can be another major step. As someone’s who’s played and coached Nigeria’s national team I know that the people in Nigeria are hungry for rugby league but need more engagement with the sport and this is a vital step in feeling part of the wider rugby league community.”
We are excited to commence a new chapter for the Lagos Haven RLFC. We believe this partnership with Bradford Bulls will further strengthen our resolve to develop the game in Lagos. The new club will be named Lagos Bulls RLFC and is looking forward to the support of Bradford Bulls in further strengthening our club in all areas. We would work towards Lagos Bulls becoming a pathway club to Bradford Bulls and this is the first step.
“This historical collaboration aims to foster growth and development within the rugby community and strengthen the ties between the two nations.
Michael Ogunbiyi commented:
“We are immensely grateful for the support and partnership with Bradford Bulls RLFC and the Bulls Foundation. This collaboration presents a fantastic opportunity for our club and the broader Nigerian rugby landscape. We are excited to learn from Bulls and leverage their expertise to unlock our players’ full potential. We are excited to commence a new chapter for the Lagos Haven RLFC. We believe this partnership with the Bulls will further strengthen our resolve to develop the game in Lagos. The new club will be named Lagos Bulls RLFC (Lagos Haven RLFC will cease to exist) and is looking forward to the support of Bradford Bulls in further strengthening our club in all areas. We would work towards Lagos Bulls becoming a pathway club to Bradford Bulls and this is the first step.”
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