Harare, Zimbabwe | The highly anticipated Rugby Africa Cup, the continent’s premier rugby tournament, is set to return to Kampala, Uganda, for the second consecutive year, commencing on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
This year’s edition holds immense significance as the champions will secure direct qualification for the Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027, while the runner-up will earn a spot in a global repechage tournament for a final qualification opportunity.
Eight formidable teams will converge in Kampala, each more focused and prepared than ever, all with their sights firmly set on claiming that coveted place on rugby’s grandest stage.
“The Rugby Africa Cup is not just a tournament; it’s the pathway to global recognition for African rugby,” said a spokesperson for Rugby Africa. “We are thrilled to bring this prestigious event back to Uganda, a nation that has demonstrated immense passion and commitment to the sport.”
For Zimbabwe, the Sables, last year’s champions, preparations began the moment they lifted the trophy in Kampala.
The team closed out 2024 with an impressive tour of the Middle East and Asia, securing notable victories over the UAE and South Korea, signaling their intent to defend their title.
A significant proportion of overseas players have joined camp in Harare where the final preparations are taking place.
Stalwart prop Cleopas Kundiona who’s just signed to Northampton Saints relishes his return to the Sables and is upbeat about retaining the championship.
“It feels good to be back with the boys after almost a year and judging from the progress we made last year throughout and the intense focus in camp I think we are ready to defend the Africa Cup,” he said
Also joining camp is South African based utility forward Godfrey Muzanargwo shares Kundiona’s sentiments.
“We hardly get a chance to meet each other and the Sables brings the brotherhood together and I love how we push each other to put in extra percentages in camp.
“Everyone would like to enjoy the same feeling we have throughout 2025 and it begins now,” said Muzanargwo.
The 2025 Rugby Africa Cup is organised by Rugby Africa, the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, in partnership with the Uganda Rugby Union.
The tournament features Uganda, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Namibia, Kenya, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Morocco, and will run from July 8 to July 19.
All matches will be available for streaming on Rugby Pass TV, Rugby Africa Facebook, and the official broadcasting partner, NBS Sport.
Streaming Information:
- Rugby Africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RugbyAfrique
- RugbyPass TV: https://rugbypass.tv
Match Schedule (All times are Local Time – EAT):
Match Day 1: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
- 10:00 – Zimbabwe vs Morocco
- 12:00 – Madagascar vs Mauritius (Note: This match seems to be an outlier based on the 8 participating teams listed, please verify if this is part of the main tournament or a separate fixture.)
- 14:00 – Namibia vs Senegal
- 16:00 – Kenya vs Uganda
Match Day 2: Sunday, July 13, 2025
- 10:00 – Loser Match 2 vs Loser Match 3
- 12:00 – Loser Match 1 vs Loser Match 4
- 14:00 – Winner Match 2 vs Winner Match 3
- 16:00 – Winner Match 1 vs Winner Match 4
Match Day 3: Saturday, July 19, 2025
- 10:00 – Loser Match 5 vs Loser Match 6 (7th Place Final)
- 12:00 – Winner Match 5 vs Winner Match 6 (5th Place Final)
- 14:00 – Loser Match 7 vs Loser Match 8 (3rd Place Final)
- 16:00 – Winner Match 7 vs Winner Match 8 (Final)
