International Rugby: Ghana looking to become a factor in sevens

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We move to Africa, which is emerging as a hotbed for rugby development. One of the countries looking to become a major factor in the sport is Ghana, a country targeting the women's side of the Sevens game in particular. That means a major grassroots expansion, as officials have set ambitious targets to reach in a short period of time. Damion Jones has details.

A barefoot Ghanaian girl in a hijab, scoring tries, and scrumming down. Not the usual view of a rugby player. But Rafatu Inusah, who has been tasked with promoting the sport in the country, and was one of its first female players, advocates widespread access to the game.

RAFATU INUSAH GHANA RUGBY UNION PROMOTER "It's for everybody whether Christians, Muslims, Hindus, everybody can play rugby."

Ghana's participation in rugby is currently small, but the nation is thinking big. Officials want to develop 1,500 players, and introduce the sport in 120 schools, by 2020. The target? Olympic and World titles in the short-form Sevens game.

EMMANUEL KALOS GHANAIAN RUGBY ADMINISTRATOR "We want to get the students we're training here, we attach them to clubs, we monitor their progress, and in the next five years, four years, five years, we are hoping that they will be able to play in the Under-16s, in the Under-20s, Under-18s for the national team."

Some of these girls had only seen rugby on TV. Now, they play three times a week.

MAIMUNA DAWDA YOUTH RUGBY COMPETITOR "My aspiration is to be the best rugby player, to represent my country."

World Rugby says nearly 400,000 youths participated in development programs across Africa in 2016, as part of efforts to broaden the sport's appeal.The next five to 10 years will be key to see whether these youngsters emerge among the next wave of stars, in the Sevens version of the game. DJ, CGTN.