As the Rugby World Cup approaches with just two African teams participating, Herbert Mensah, the head of Rugby Africa, is on a mission to redefine rugby's place on the continent. Appointed in March 2023, Mensah, a Ghanaian entrepreneur, aims to reshape African rugby. In an exclusive interview with RFI's Babacar Diarra, Mensah discusses his plans for the sport. Mensah's rugby journey began in school and university, spanning continents from England to South Africa and Zimbabwe. He emphasizes his lifelong bond with the sport, dating back to his childhood. Sport, according to Mensah, is a significant business venture. He highlights the need for change in nutrition, lifestyle, and investment. Mensah envisions a global appeal for sports beyond Europe, particularly in Africa. He emphasizes channeling investments and infrastructure into the continent to unlock its immense potential. Mensah envisions igniting a passion for rugby among African youth. He advocates integrating rugby into school curricula and developing dedicated pitches. His vision aligns with changing perspectives and overcoming dominance from other sports like football. Investment is pivotal for African rugby's success, as Mensah underscores. He calls for partnerships, government support, and collaboration to ensure players have consistent opportunities. Mensah's goal is to secure investment and infrastructure that enable major African nations to compete more frequently. Mensah also celebrates the positive influence of Siya Kolisi, the South African rugby captain, whose leadership transcends racial boundaries. The increasing representation of black players in teams exemplifies the broader shift towards diversity in African rugby. Expanding African representation in international rugby is another aspect of Mensah's vision. Drawing parallels with football's expansion, he proposes more African teams in major rugby competitions. This move could lead to African nations becoming formidable contenders. Mensah's tenure seeks to realize Africa’s rugby potential through investment, infrastructure, and collaboration. His unwavering belief in Africa's capabilities and his call for global investment aim to create a promising future for African rugby.