Thanks to being named the winners of the Rugby League Planet Rugby League Development Fund award, Ghana’s good fortune became manifest with the welcome arrival of 150 rugby league balls in Accra. The website granted A$2500 to Ghana Rugby League through the fund’s members after their request was deemed the most worthy among many.

Ghana Rugby League official Sylvester Wellington and RLP’s Richard Cowley then agreed that the best use of funds was the purchase of balls to aid Ghana’s continuing growth. “The Rugby League Planet Rugby League Development Fund is made up of members who want to see the game grow around the world,” said Cowley. “After receiving many applications Development Fund members voted to provide Ghana, a nation which is new to the game, with some assistance. We are so happy that we have made a difference and now kids there will be able to play rugby league with Steeden balls in hand.”

The Rugby League Planet Rugby League Development Fund has assisted Jamaica, Canada and now Ghana over the last three years. “We are always looking to grow our member base with the aim to assist more emerging rugby league nations. For anyone who would like to get involved please visit www.rugbyleagueplanet.com or email us at [email protected]” Cowley added. 

Wellington, who is preparing Ghana’s application to become a Federation and with that membership of the RLEF, took delivery of the consignment in Accra last week and will distribute the balls to the seven clubs and four school districts that form the focus of the GRL’s development strategy. He said: “Ghana rugby league has come very far in terms of development of the sport among communities, security services, churches and schools. Now that we have received these balls from RLP our work will be much easier and make rugby league an integral part of those schools.”