Kenya's Sevens team have been an African success story in recent years © Getty Images

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The Confederation of African Rugby have approved a series of measures designed to boost the development of the game on the continent.

The measures approved by the 23 member unions include the implementation of a new strategic plan, the approval of a new operational plan and a restructuring of the regional compeitions model. In making their changes the confederation hopee to make the most of rugby's inclusion at the Olympics from 2016, while growing the game.

A new four year strategic plan is aimed at increasing participation and promoting elite competition success. The plan hopes to grow playing numbers from the current level of 660,000 to 800,000 by 2015. An Operational Plan, overseen by the International Rugby Board, will drive strategies and budgets.

The confederation will restructure the men's and women's competition model throughout the region including the CAR Africa Cup. Last year Kenya hosted a IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy which included a legacy programme to introduce 100,000 children to rugby over a four year period.

"This is a big step forward for the Game in Africa, which is a strategically important growth Region for the IRB with nearly a third of the world's playing population," said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset. "The IRB currently invests over US$2.8 million a year in CAR Union development programmes and Regional tournament infrastructure aimed at raising the competitiveness of the Game in Africa and we are working in partnership with CAR to ensure that Rugby continues to flourish throughout the Region."

"In 2007 a historic accord was signed with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) aimed at jointly fostering sport and Rugby in the Region. Popularity and participation has been boosted by the Olympic Games decision and there is considerable interest from National Olympic Committees who are keen to establish relationships with National Unions in Africa. These are exciting times for Rugby in Africa and this new framework implemented by CAR will ensure that the sport continues to reach out to new men, women and children in Africa."