Tunisia is poised to win the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Division One trophy when they face Morocco in a North Africa Derby on May 16, 2026 at the Munzah Stadium in Tunis.

This is a formality match for the hosts who opened their campaign with a dominant 85-0 win over Ivory Coast on May 8, 2026. The win will see them promoted to the top tier where they will compete against South Africa, Kenya, Madagascar and Uganda next year.

Only three countries were in Tunis for this opening tournament of the Rugby Africa calendar. Zimbabwe and Nigeria were unable to travel to Tunis and were therefore relegated to the lower tier regional category.

Top Tier

On May 12, 2026, Morocco defeated Ivory Coast 27-5. They did not participate in the 2025 edition alongside Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Ivory Coast. Uganda emerged winners and were promoted to the top tier, the Performance Division that starts in Nairobi, Kenya on May 21-31, 2026.

Uganda Lady Cranes head coach Muhammad Athiyo, who replaced Charles Onen, has named 28 players for the Nairobi tournament. Angella Nanyonjo and Doreen Sijali are co-captains with Peace Lekuru a former captain also in the leadership according to a press statement by the Uganda Rugby Union.

Injury has knocked out five players namely Samiya Ayikoru, Grace Auma, Patricia Anek, Lydia Namabiro and Sandra Lona Amoli. Three players were unavailable for selection because of school or work commitments. They are Latinas Tiko, Jenipher Musanabera a nd Tina Akello

Uganda Lady Cranes: Evelyn Beth Asaba Awebwa, Janepher Nakale, Phoebe Nakalembe, Christine Kokoi, Doreen Mbabazi, Doreen Sijali, Yvonne Najjuma, Phiona Nantongo, Fazira Namukwaya, Leona Acen, Proscovia Mukyala, Hellen Acanit, Peace Nemira, Susan Adong, Carbine Kirabo, Angella Nanyonjo, Gorrer Babirye, Josephine Babirye Shaine, Juliet Nandawula, Bushira Namutebi, Justin Anguchia, Christine Akello, Peace Lekuru, Grace Nabaggala, Unity Namulala, Gertrude Kateesa, Rachel Mufuwa.

Officials: Muhammad Athiyo (head coach), Kigongo Ssebalamu, Byron Okuba (assistant coaches), Dorcus Mundua Asiimire (team manager).

Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2026

Performance Division: South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Madagascar.

Fixtures

May 23: South Africa v Madagascar, Kenya v Uganda.

May 27: South Africa v Uganda, Kenya v Madagascar.

May 31: Uganda v Madagascar, South Africa v Kenya. 

Rugby Africa Women’s Division One

May 8: Tunisia 85 Ivory Coast 0

May 12: Morocco 27 Ivory Coast 5

May 16: Tunisia v Morocco

Morocco: Dounia Salhi, Nawel Hamadi, Hanane Habib Chorfa, Sherrine Jaddi, Amira Elmoaaraj, Sonia Irigoyen, Noor Elarf, Sara Philipe, Amenis Khaldi Legriel, Shirine Nahi, Rhizlane El Gamoune, Ludivine Jeannin, Nezha Bernou, Ambre Edale.

Replacements: Doha Benslaiman, Sirine Ouafi, Shayma Bali, Wissal Jacono, Julie Beuste, Sonya Saghdaoui, Dounia Benrouba, Aicha Ghamouchi.

Officials: El Arf Morad (manager), G. Ibarburu (head coach), Laurent Ferreres (assistant coach). 

Tunisia: Lamia Mlawah, Hadil Mrifek, Oumaima Dziri, Sondes Falfloul, Ranim Madouri, Norhen Marouai, Nour Ayari, Zahra Hadeji, Siwar Ben Henda, Ala Hidri, Malak Bougaba, Sabrine Ragoubi, Nour Rejeb, Taoua Boudabous, Mariem Hafsi, Zahra Chtoui, Arij Mbarek, Salma Klein, Ranim Ben Brahem, Islem Weili, Chaima Boukadida, Lina Abdallah, Intissar Dhmaied, Yasmine Korbi, Samah Lahoual, Bochra Ben Abderahmen, Rosla Atti, Zained Bebki.Officials: Hamdi Khanous, Nafaa Ben Salem, Arnaue Le Berre, Moez Jaafar, Bilel Mattar, Khaoula Hedhili, Loujayn Ben Halila.