Madagascar, the second African team at the World Rugby Tier 3 Sevens tournament to be played in Dubai from January 17-18 have their eyes set on finishing among the top two teams and qualify for the Tier 2 competition that starts in Nairobi, Kenya on February 14, 2026.

Coached by Mboazafy Noe Rakotoarivelo, a former player, who has good knowledge of top-flight competition, the Makkis have been drawn in a tough Pool B that has Canada, Italy and Belgium. They already have had a taste of competing at this level in the Challenger Series where they finished seventh.

The other African team at the Dubai tournament is South Africa’s women’s team which has an unchanged side from the one that won the Rugby Africa Sevens tournament in Nairobi in October last year.

Declared squads

Madagascar: Tolojanahary Rakotovao, Mickael Rakotomalala, Mamy Ranaivoarison, Rado Randrianalisoa, Hajanirina Mickael Rabetsaraharinosy, Larkham Rakotoharison, Jean Yves Randriamalala, Alex Fabrice Ranaivoson, Yvon Randriamialisoa, Jean Marc Raoelinirina, Thierry Parson Rakotondrabe, Jean Chrstino Rakotonirina

Coach: Mboazafy Noe Rakotoarivelo.

Canada: Takoda McMullin, Ian Jones, Brenden Black, Josiah Morra, Adam Doane, Johnny Franklin, Jack Shaw, Morgan di Nardo, Lockie Kratz, Thomas Isherwood, Elias Hancock, Ethan Turner, Kal Sager.

Colombia

Women: Angie Manyoma, Isabella Henry, Jocelin Ruco, Juliana Soto, Karina Bagui, Laura Diosa, Leidy Soto, Camila LOpera, Madi Cordoba, Valentina Tapias, Eva Pino, Daniela Moncada.

Men: Alain Altahona, Alejandro Guisao, Camilo Mosquera, Andres Tellez, Diver Ceballos, Daniel Gomez, Daniel Villa, Jhojan Arango, Arley Urrutia, Camilo Romero, Juan Agudelo, Louis Giraldo.

Thailand: Wannaree Meechok, Ruksina Nawakaew, Thanachporn Wandee, Phonnapha Nartsopha, Phanthira Chaiket, Salinda Phaekwamdee, Nuntadchaporn Yodya, Darin Janatamala, Thanaporn Huankid, Narathip Maneesai, Rattanporn Wittayaronnayut, Dion Akwaja, Panpassa Jaijarim.

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

Coach: Cecil Afrika.

Argentina: Virginia Brigido, Candela Delgado, Malena Diaz, Cristal Escalante, Magali Gervasio, Sofia Gonzalez and Francesca Lacaruso. Others are Milagros Lequona, Azul Medina, Paula Pedrozo, Antonella Reding, Talia Rodich and Maria Taladrid.

World Rugby Tier 3 Sevens tournament, Dubai, January 17-18.

Pools and Fixtures

Women

Pool A: South Africa, Thailand, Czechia, Mexico.

Pool B: Argentina, Colombia, Poland, Samoa

Colombia v Poland, Argentina v Samoa, Thailand v Czechia, South Africa v Mexico, Colombia v Samoa, Argentina v Poland, Thailand v Mexico, South Africa v Czechia, Poland v Samoa, Argentina v Colombia, Czechia v Mexico, South Africa v Thailand, 

Men

Pool A: Colombia, Hong Kong China, Samoa, Tonga.

Pool B: Belgium, Canada, Italy, Madagascar.

Madagascar v Belgium, Canada v Italy, Tonga v Hong Kong China, Samoa v Colombia,  Madagascar v Italy, Canada v Belgium, Tonga v Colombia, Samoa v Hong Kong China, Belgium v Italy, Canada v Madagascar, Hong Kong China v Colombia, Samoa v Tonga.

Sunday, January 17

Women

Fifth Place Semi Final: A3 v B4, B3 v A4, 

Cup Semi Finals: A1 v B2, B1 v A2.

Men

Fifth Place Semi Final: A3 v B4, B3 v A4,

Cup Semi Finals: A1 v B2, B1 v A2.