Top seeds South Africa are leaving nothing to chance as they start their climb back to World Rugby Tier two category when the Rugby Africa Women’s 7s competition kicks off on November 15, 2025 at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground.

There has been a change in the technical bench with Cecil Africa taking over from Renfred Dazel who has transitioned to the men’s team as an assistant to Philip Snyman. Included in the provisional squad due to travel to Nairobi is Nadine Roos, South Africa’s Rugby Women Player of the Year.

Roos was part of the South Africa women’s squad to the Rugby World Cup where the team reached a historic quarter final against all odds. Other players who were also in England for the World Cup who have been included in the team are Zintle Mpupha, Bryhandre Dolf, Ayanda Malinga, Lerato Makua and Faith Tshauke. South Africa are in Pool A where they play against Zimbabwe and Mauritius.

Top Contenders

Other top contenders for the title, Uganda’s Lady Cranes have also beefed up their squad by including former captain Peace Lekuru who switched to Rugby League with York Valkyrie. They are seeded third and play in Pool C against Zambia and Burkina Faso.

During the Safari Sevens tournament held at the Nyayo National Stadium in October, Agnes Nakuya, the captain told www.thesportsnewsarena.com they intended to do better in this event after finishing second. Her words were echoed by Charles Onen the coach who hinted at making a few changes.

Four Changes

He made four changes by including Samiya Ayikoru, Unity Namulala, Susan Adong and Lekuru. Twelve players who were in Nairobi for Safari Sevens have been retained.

Uganda: Agnes Nakuya, Lydia Namabiro, Yvonne Najjuma, Fazira Namukwaya, Susan Adong, Grace Nabaggala, Juliet Nandawula, Sandra Amoli Lona, Samiya Ayikoru, Janat Nandudu, Peace Lekuru, Unity Namulala. 

Officials: Charles Onen (head coach), Ssebalamu Kigongo (assistant coach), Winnie Atyang (team manager), Nelson Mayeku (physiotherapist).

South Africa training squad: Shiniqwa Lampretch, Leight Fortuin, Liske Letegan, Zintle Mpupha, Asisipho Plaatjies, Faith Tshauke, Lerato Makua, Thandi Fudu, Nadine Roos, Vianca Boer, Simamkele Namba, Maria Tshiremba, Patience Mokone, Ayanda Malinga, Byrhandre Dolf, Shannon Windvogel, Alicia Willemse, Jane Mulder.

Draw 

Pool A: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mauritius.

Pool B: Kenya, Ghana, Ivory Coast.

Pool C: Uganda, Zambia, Burkina Faso. 

Pool D: Madagascar, Tunisia, Egypt.