NAIROBI, Kenya, November 16, 2025 – Day one of the Africa Women’s 7s tournament delivered on all fronts in terms of relentless display of talent on the pitch, camaraderie among all walks of life in the stands and free-flowing delicacies to match the thrilling rugby on the menu.
It was certainly a great day in office for the hosts, Kenya Lionesses, who came away with victories against Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana, without conceding a try in both games.
Defending champions Blitzboks of South Africa also finished the day with a 100 per cent record, swatting aside Zimbabwe and Mauritius in Group A.
Others that were smiling at the end of the day were Uganda and Madagascar who reigned supreme in their respective groups, albeit they were made to sweat.
After thrashing Egypt 31-7 in their first match, it was nervy affair for the Indian Ocean islanders who had to work extra hard to overcome Tunisia 21-14.
It was also the same case for Uganda who thrashed Burkina Faso 50-0 in their opening contest before just about overcoming a stubborn Zambia 20-14 in their ultimate tie of the day.
Regardless of the winners and losers, the biggest winner is women’s rugby, which is on an upward trend as evidenced by the increase in the number of teams to 12 – as well as the display of rugby talents.
Furthermore, the match officials, including referees and match commissioner, are all women – exhibiting the huge strides the game is making not only on the pitch but also on the boardroom.
The capacity crowd at the RFUEA Grounds also goes to show the attention and love that women’s rugby is garnering across the continent.
As the knockout phase begins on Sunday, there is more where that came from in terms of more rugby action and unfurling of interesting storylines.
Let the day break.
