The focus will be on the top four teams, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda and Madagascar when the Rugby Africa Women 7s tournament kicks off on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground.

These four teams are seeded top in each of the four pools where the winner and runner up shall qualify for the knockout stages on the second day. At stake is the bragging rights as champions of Africa as well as qualification for the World Rugby Tier 3 regional tournament.

South Africa are tipped to win the event in Nairobi as a result of their pedigree and history of 11 wins in past competitions. Their main adversaries are hosts Kenya who have beaten them three times this season. Kenya have already qualified for the Tier two competition but are itching to bad the continental trophy which has eluded them for several years.

Major Upset

Should these two teams slip, Uganda and Madagascar who are very dangerous opponents have a chance to cause major upset. Uganda are methodical and technically astute while Madagascar are ferocious runners with an ability to attack from anywhere in the field. 

Agnes Nakuya, the Lady Cranes captain, did not mince her words saying they will play their hearts out. “We shall not be disappointed if all the players put their best foot forward,” she stated.  Charles Onen, the Uganda coach added that the preparations have been good and they are ready for the challenge.

Cecil Afrika who will be back to familiar grounds where he made a name for himself with the South Africa men’s team who are the current champions of World Rugby Sevens World Series. Afrika is not complacent about his team’s impressive record but is focusing on the opening match against Mauritius before facing Zimbabwe.

Experienced Outfit

All eyes will be on the hosts, Kenya Lionesses who have an experienced outfit. Simon Odongo, the coach was economical saying their focus is on one match at a time. Kenya has been drawn in Pool B with Ivory Coast and Ghana.

By topping the pool, the hosts are likely to face either Zimbabwe or Mauritius in thee knock-out phase. 

The championship, the past event by Rugby Africa has grown in stature. John Bosco Muamba, the tournament director told www.thesportsnewsarena.com that the growth of women’s rugby in the continent was on an upward trajectory. He is keen to ensure continued growth and  more competitions. Already, Rugby has been included in the All Africa Games.

Draw 

Pool A: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mauritius.

Pool B: Kenya, Ghana, Ivory Coast.

Pool C: Uganda, Zambia, Burkina Faso. 

Pool D: Madagascar, Tunisia, Egypt.

Match Day 1 Fixtures: Tunisia v Egypt, Zambia v Burkina Faso, Ghana v Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe v Mauritius, Madagascar v Egypt, Uganda v Burkina Faso, Kenya v Ivory Coast, South Africa v Mauritius, Madagascar v Tunisia, Uganda v Zambia, South Africa v Zimbabwe, Kenya v Ghana

Match Day 2 Fixtures: A1 v B2, D1 v C2, C1 v D2, B1 v A2, A3 v D3, B3 v C3,

Declared squads

Kenya: Naomi Amuguni, Nelly Chikombe, Moreen Muritu, Christabel Lindo, Sheila Chajira, Pheobe Akinyi, Edith Nariaka, Sinaida Nyachio, Grace Okulu, Faith Livoi, Janet Okello, Frashia Awino, Ann Namunyak.

South Africa: Shiniqwa Lampretch, Leight Fortuin, Liske Letegan, Zintle Mpupha, Asisipho Plaatjies, Nadine Roos, Vianca Boer, Simamkele Namba, Maria Tshiremba, Patience Mokone, Ayanda Malinga, Byrhandre Dolf.

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. 

Mauritius: Sabine Desvaux, Abbie Sauzier, Lola Sobrioo, Naika Dewulf, Juliana De Falbaire, Francine Khejoo, Megane Jauffret, Ophelie De Comarmond, Ambre De Comarmond, Mila Venkiah, Selena Maigrot, Olivia Harel.

Zimbabwe: Mercy Runesu, Rumbidzaiu Chigumbu, Rutendo Morosi, Chiwoniso Mabika, Natalia Nyabinde, Kudzai Wasili, Terren Munodaani, Pauline Sianga, Ruvimbo Mudyanadzo, Nokutenda Shoriva (vice captain), Rufaro Tagarira (captain), Memory Moyo.

Burkina Faso: Aicha Soura, Awa Goro, Tenin DEmbele, Awa Sory, Liliane Some, Guiamiratou Zombre, Fatoumata Yenou , Nematoulaye Moubarakat, Yasmine Coulibaly, Fatoumata Terra, Nassiratou Sombe, Ivette Sawadogo.

Ivory Coast: Fereta Aichata SEkongo, Aicha Berte, Mariam Helene Zon, Sofiatou Konate, Awa Toure, Okpobe Anne, Julie Bleu, Nah Taho, Sourale Modjou, Fatou Ouattara, N’kadoeu Celestine, Abiba Traore.

Egypt: Yomna Ashraf, Hale Hesham, Misara Mohamed, Norain Ahmed, Nada Samir, Malak Elamir, Farida Ehab, Nour Walid, Kenzy Mohamed, Rola Mahmoud, Menatalla Ahmed, Nayera Samir.

Ghana: Barikisu Abdul Mumuni, Graca Aduntira, Radha Arthur, Jamila Awal, Regina Naa, Paulina Yaa, Patience Musah, Dorothy Owusu-Ansah, Mary Mpalnge, Sheila Dede Tettey, Eunica Sakiede Sackey, Hawa Amadu.

Madagascar: Sarinda Sahondramalala, Delphine Raharimalala, Joela Mirasoa Fenohasina, Ginah Raharimalala, Veronique Rasooanekena, Jinah Kelly Razanamahefa, Zaya Fanantenana, Valisoa Razanakiaina, Oliviane Andriatsilavina, Olivia Hanitriniaina, Rajaoniaina Rafanomezantsoa, Nomenjanahary Valerie.

Tunisia: Yasmine Korbi, Lamia Mlawah, Ranim Maddouri, Habiba Lafi, Nour Ayari, Zahra Chtioui, Sameh Lahouel, Arij Mbarek, Yasmine Jelassi, Islem Waili, Zahra Haddaji, Alaa Hidri. 

Zambia: Juliet Mwamba, Leah Mbukwa, Milika Tembo, Loshomo Liwena, Jessy Mwale, Kombe Margaret Chama, Veronica Lungu, Joyce Chipasha, Mirriana Kasonka, Alice Phiri, Prudence Chola, Cecilia Kasonka.