Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Limited, a financial institution has pledged to support the Ghana Rugby Association (GRA) to get back on its feet. As a first step, the GRA is to receive 100 rugby jesseys, boots and other items in July this year from the bank.

In an interview with the Graphic Sports at the weekend, the Corporate Affairs manager of Standard Chartered in Ghana, Mr Charles McCarthy, confirmed that the items would be sent from the bank?s international head quarters in London.

He said the move is part of the bank?s contribution towards the development of rugby in Africa to ensure that it is projected to desirable heights.?This is what we are starting with, but we cannot say now whether the bank will be in a position to support the individual countries financially Mr McCarthy said.

He said at the moment Standchart Ghana is committed to the Cricket Association for five years, three of which have already been taken care of and indicated that the bank may not be in a position to back rugby financially until it is completely through with Cricket.

He disclosed that every year, his outfit parts with ?500 million to support the activities of the sport and this will continue till the five year agreement elapses?. According to the Chairperson of the GRA, Ms Gifty E. Annan-Myers, the support could lift a heavy burden off the shoulders of the rugby association.

She explained that rugby kits are not common in Ghana, making it very expensive for the association to purchase. She therefore, lauded Standchart for the gesture and expressed the hope that other institutions could contribute to help develop the game.

She lamented that last year the nation?s sports budget did not cover rugby because it had then just been introduced into Ghana.?And in the absence of government funds, I had to single handedly run the team with my own resources, which I think cannot sustain the sport.?

Ms Annan-Myers said she got discouraged at some point that almost gave up. She said the former rugby coach, Mr Guy Charly, left the association due to the association?s inability to pay his monthly allowances,leaving the players in a state of despair.

That notwithstanding, the chairperson believes Ghana rugby has a bright future and it could only shine if it is given the needed attention.The team fell apart after it returned from Mali last October where the Super 16 Africa Nations Rugby tournament was held.

This was due to lack of financial backing to enable the GRA effectively embark on a training exercise in the absence of a coach.Even though there had not been possitive results in the search for a new coach, the Golden Stars have bounced back and started a series of training exercises.