Continental Supremacy at Stake in Nairobi

NAIROBI, KENYA – The stage is set for a monumental clash in African women's rugby as the Kenya Lionesses prepare to host the Rugby Africa Women's Sevens championship at the historic RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi. The tournament, scheduled for Saturday, 15th November and Sunday, 16th November 2025, will see twelve of the continent's elite teams vie for the title and a single qualification spot for the 2026 World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series.

All eyes will be on the fierce rivalry between hosts Kenya and the formidable South African side, the Springbok Women's Sevens. South Africa enters the tournament as the defending champions, having defeated the Lionesses in the tense finals of both the 2023 and 2024 editions. The Springbok Women have been the dominant force in African sevens, winning the title 11 times. However, the Lionesses, who last lifted the continental trophy in 2018, will be buoyed by fervent home support and recent successes.

A Rivalry Renewed on Home Soil

The history between these two powerhouses sets the stage for a compelling narrative. In the 2024 final in Accra, Ghana, South Africa clinched a hard-fought 19-10 victory over Kenya. Earlier in 2025, however, the tide turned during the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger series in Cape Town. The Lionesses delivered a stunning performance, defeating the Springbok Women's Sevens not once, but twice on their home turf to win both legs of the series in March. This historic achievement, securing their first-ever international tournament victories, has injected a new level of confidence into the Kenyan squad.

The Lionesses come into this tournament with strong momentum, having recently won the Safari Sevens title, further signaling their readiness to reclaim continental glory. The home advantage at the RFUEA Grounds, a venue steeped in Kenyan rugby history, is expected to be a significant factor.

Tournament Structure and Key Matchups

The tournament will feature twelve nations divided into pools for the opening day's fixtures. The Kenya Lionesses have been drawn in Pool B alongside Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. Their campaign is scheduled to kick off at 12:44 PM EAT on Saturday against Côte d'Ivoire, followed by a clash with Ghana at 4:06 PM EAT. In their last encounter in the 2024 tournament, Kenya secured a dominant 41-0 victory over Ghana.

Defending champions South Africa are in Pool A with Zimbabwe and Mauritius. They will begin their title defense against Mauritius at 1:06 PM EAT, before facing Zimbabwe at 3:44 PM EAT on Saturday. Other participating nations include Uganda, Madagascar, Tunisia, Zambia, Burkina Faso, and Egypt, all competing for the African crown.

While official team squads for the November tournament are typically announced closer to the date, the Lionesses are expected to field a strong side featuring veterans and stars from their successful Challenger Series and Safari Sevens campaigns. Key players like Sheila Chajira, Janet Okello, and Freshia Awino have been central to their recent triumphs. Similarly, South Africa is likely to rely on their experienced core, including players like Mathrin Simmers and Nadine Roos, who have been pivotal in past championships.

The Road to Global Recognition

The stakes extend far beyond continental bragging rights. The winner of the Nairobi tournament will secure Africa's sole spot in the 2026 World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series. This series serves as the direct qualification pathway to the elite HSBC SVNS circuit, offering a crucial opportunity for the victorious team to compete regularly against the world's best. This pathway underscores the growing importance of the Rugby Africa Women's Sevens as a critical platform for developing and showcasing African talent on the international stage. The event in Nairobi is not just a contest for a trophy but a gateway to the highest level of the sport.