Zimbabwe Begin Title Defence as 2025 Rugby Africa Men’s Cup Kicks Off in Kampala with 2027 Rugby World Cup Spot at Stake

The quest for African rugby supremacy and a direct ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia begins today as eight of the continent’s top national teams battle it out at the 2025 Rugby Africa Men’s Cup in Kampala, Uganda. Hosted for the second consecutive year at the historic Mandela National Stadium, the tournament not only crowns Africa’s best but also offers a direct route to global rugby’s biggest stage.

The Stakes: World Cup Dreams and Continental Glory

Running from 8th to 19th July 2025, this year’s Rugby Africa Cup carries monumental stakes. The winner will qualify automatically for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, while the runner-up will enter an intercontinental playoff against an Asian opponent for another chance to make it to Australia.

This 20th edition of the Rugby Africa Cup, administered by Rugby Africa, brings together seasoned veterans and emerging contenders in a winner-takes-all format that promises passion, pride, and physicality across all 12 scheduled matches. For added inspiration, the Webb Ellis Cup, the ultimate rugby prize, is in Uganda for the tournament’s opening day — a powerful reminder of what’s on the line.

Match Day 1 Fixtures (Tuesday, 8 July 2025 – Local Times)

10:00 – Zimbabwe ? Morocco

12:00 – Algeria ? Ivory Coast

14:00 – Namibia ? Senegal

16:00 – Kenya ? Uganda

All matches will be streamed live on RugbyPass TV and Rugby Africa’s Facebook page.

Zimbabwe: Defending Champions with Eyes on Australia

Reigning champions Zimbabwe, known as the Sables, return to Kampala with a target on their backs. Having dethroned six-time champions Namibia in last year’s semi-final before convincingly beating Algeria 29-3 in the final, the Sables are confident, cohesive, and hungry.

Captain Hilton Mudariki, who has led the team with grit and composure, acknowledges the pressure:

“We know that we’ve got a target on our back, but the big thing is to focus on ourselves. We’ve added quality players and built consistency over the past year.”

Their campaign begins against Morocco, a side thrilled to be back among Africa’s elite. Captain Adil Achahbar promises a challenge:

“Zimbabwe is the defending champion, but we are ready for that one.”

Namibia: Time to Regroup and Reclaim

Once the undisputed kings of African rugby, Namibia are on a redemption mission. After a semi-final defeat to Zimbabwe last year, the Welwitschias are determined to bounce back despite recent turbulence, including the resignation of head coach Chrysander Botha.

Led by experienced Director of Rugby Jacques Burger and captain Prince Gaoseb, Namibia come into the tournament after recent matches against Uganda and a heavy defeat to Italy.

“It’s a competitive tournament, and that’s a good thing for African rugby. We’ve focused on set-pieces and being clinical,” said Gaoseb.

Their opener against Senegal will be crucial. Senegal’s captain Demba Kane looks forward to testing themselves against Africa’s former top dogs:

“Namibia is the benchmark in Africa. Facing them is a massive test.”

Uganda vs Kenya: Elgon Cup Rivals Light Up Kampala

Host nation Uganda, backed by passionate home fans, is ready to make history on their soil. The Rugby Cranes, captained by Byron Oketayot, face fierce East African rivals Kenya in what promises to be a fiery Elgon Cup clash.

“It is really special to play in front of our fans. We are ready for whatever Kenya has,” Oketayot said.

Kenya’s squad, fresh from a tour of South Africa, is equally charged up.

“These are qualifiers and we’re taking them seriously,” said captain George Nyambua. “The tour helped with bonding and tactical alignment.”

Both teams are eyeing a semi-final berth, but only one will take an early step forward today.

Algeria, Ivory Coast, and the Battle of the Dark Horses

Last year’s surprise finalists Algeria shocked the continent with wins over Ivory Coast and Kenya. Now, under the leadership of Marvyn Youcef, they are aiming to go one better.

“We need to be calmer this time around. It will come down to small margins,” said Youcef.

Their opponents in the opener, Ivory Coast, rank lowest among the eight teams but are not to be underestimated. Captain Élias Coulibaly insists they’re coming for revenge:

“Algeria is a good side, but a lot has changed. We’ll fight hard.”

What’s Next: Tournament Roadmap

Match Day 2:

Sunday, 13 July 2025

10:00 – Loser M2 vs Loser M3

12:00 – Loser M1 vs Loser M4

14:00 – Winner M2 vs Winner M3

16:00 – Winner M1 vs Winner M4 Match

Day 3: Saturday, 19 July 2025

10:00 – 7th Place Match

12:00 – 5th Place Match

14:00 – 3rd Place Match

16:00 – Final

A New Era for African Rugby

The 2025 Rugby Africa Men’s Cup marks a turning point for African rugby. With fierce competition, increased global visibility, and the allure of a World Cup berth, the tournament sets the stage for both triumph and transformation.

As fans pour into the stadium and millions tune in online, the message is clear: Africa is ready for the world stage, and the next 11 days in Kampala will determine which nation leads the charge to Australia 2027.

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