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The countdown is on as Uganda prepares to host Africa’s most prestigious rugby event—the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup—from July 8 to 19 at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala.

The high-stakes tournament offers more than just continental bragging rights. The ultimate prize: direct qualification to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The runner-up will also remain in contention via a global repechage tournament.

This year’s edition promises fierce competition, with all eight participating nations fine-tuning their squads for a shot at rugby immortality.

Uganda’s Big Moment

As hosts for the second consecutive year, Uganda’s Rugby Cranes are sparing no effort to keep the trophy at home. The team is deep into a high-performance tour in Southern Africa, facing top opposition to sharpen their edge before their opening-day clash with East African rivals Kenya.

The Uganda Rugby Union has also upgraded facilities and rallied fan support to create a rousing tournament atmosphere.

Kenya Eyes Breakthrough

The Simbas of Kenya are eager to overturn their reputation as Africa’s nearly men. After coming heartbreakingly close in recent World Cup qualifiers—often falling to Namibia—Kenya is banking on momentum from their own Southern Africa tour to finally go all the way.

Defending Champions and Giants Await

Zimbabwe, crowned champions in 2024, are returning with purpose. After an impressive off-season that saw them defeat the UAE and South Korea, the Sables look ready to defend their title.

Algeria, last year’s runners-up, continue to thrive in the role of giant slayers and are expected to be one of the tournament’s most dangerous teams.

Meanwhile, Namibia—Africa’s perennial World Cup representatives outside of South Africa—remain the team to beat. With a flawless qualification record since 1999, the Welwitschias are once again favourites to claim the continental crown.

Underdogs Ready to Upset the Odds

Côte d’Ivoire, which narrowly avoided relegation last year, return to Kampala hoping to recapture the spirit of their historic 1995 World Cup qualification. Senegal and newly promoted Morocco are also determined to leave a mark, promising a tournament where no result is guaranteed.

Tournament Fixtures & Broadcast

Match Day 1 kicks off on Tuesday, July 8, with the following clashes (East Africa Time):

10:00 – Zimbabwe vs Morocco
12:00 – Madagascar vs Mauritius
14:00 – Namibia vs Senegal
16:00 – Kenya vs Uganda

All matches will be streamed live on Rugby Africa’s Facebook page, RugbyPass TV, and Uganda’s official broadcaster, NBS Sport.

Organised by Rugby Africa in partnership with the Uganda Rugby Union, the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup promises a showcase of grit, flair, and national pride as African rugby pushes toward the global stage.

Credit: Enock Muchinjo