- The 2025 Rugby Africa Cup is scheduled to run from 8–19 July at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
- The eight teams participating in the tournament are Algeria, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Namibia, Senegal, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Morocco.
- The championship also serves as a qualifying pathway for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The stage is ready for the Rugby Africa Cup 2025, a men’s 15-side tournament, which will take place from 8–19 July at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
A total of eight nations from across the continent will converge, with the Kenya Simbas among the contenders not just for prestige, but because the championship also serves as the pathway to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The runner-up will still retain a chance, entering a global repechage event to battle other international teams for a final qualification berth.
The eight teams are Algeria, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Namibia, Senegal, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Morocco.
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What is the format in the Rugby Africa Cup?
The eight teams have been paired off for the quarterfinals, meaning the event kicks off with four key clashes: Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4.
Victors from each match will progress to the main Cup semifinals, where the winner of QF1 meets QF4, and QF2 faces QF3.
The two advancing teams will compete in the grand finale, while the others will contest the third-place playoff.
Meanwhile, the defeated teams from the quarterfinals will follow a mirrored format, culminating in fifth-place and seventh-place placement matches.
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Quarterfinals pairing
Defending champions Zimbabwe will open the tournament with a clash against two-time titleholders Morocco, who recently earned promotion.
The second quarterfinal will feature 2024 silver medalists Algeria against Cote d’Ivoire, a side that narrowly escaped relegation last year.
Although not household names in this competition, both teams are capable of springing surprises.
You certainly cannot discount Namibia. Africa’s most enduring World Cup participants outside South Africa.
Holders of the continental title for many years, they will be squaring off against newly promoted Senegal.
Since 1999, Namibia has proudly represented the continent at every global showpiece, and will be eager to repeat their 2022 success.
The final quarterfinal pits Kenya against regional foes Uganda to wrap up the knockout stage.
Each side is eyeing a historic breakthrough, hungry to finally secure a World Cup ticket after repeated near misses.
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The rivalry has deep roots and in their last meeting during the 2024 Elgon Cup, Kenya triumphed over the Cranes 48–30 on aggregate.
Having secured fourth place last year, Jerome Paarwater’s squad is striving for a stronger finish, while Uganda, who ended the last edition in sixth, will be seeking redemption.
Tournament schedule and venue
When
- Match Day 1- Quarter Finals: Tuesday 08 July 2025
- Match Day 2- Semis: Sunday 13 July 2025
- Match Day 3- Finals: Saturday 19 July 2025
Where
Hosts Uganda have gone above and beyond to ensure this edition of the tournament is more spectacular and memorable.
Refurbished infrastructure and the energy of passionate home supporters promise an electric atmosphere at Nelson Mandela Stadium.
ALSO READ :Kenya Simbas beat Uganda, again, to get first leg Elgon Cup 2024 advantage
How to watch the Rugby Africa Cup 2025
Fans can catch all the action live on:
- Rugby Africa Facebook: facebook.com/RugbyAfrique
- RugbyPass TV: rugbypass.tv
- NBS Sport (Official Broadcaster): nbssport.co.ug
What’s at stake
With South Africa already qualified automatically for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, the tournament champion will join them.
Meanwhile, the runner-up will face the United Arab Emirates, second-place finishers in the Asia Rugby Championship 2025.
The winner of that Asia/Africa playoff will proceed to the Final Qualification Tournament, keeping their hopes alive for a place in Rugby World Cup 2027, set to be staged in Dubai (8–18 November).
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Rugby Africa 2025 fixtures and kickoff times
MATCH DAY 1 Quarter Finals: Tuesday 08 July 2025 (LOCAL TIME) (EAT)
- 10:00 – Zimbabwe vs Morocco
- 12:00 – Algeria vs Cote d’Ivoire
- 14:00 – Namibia vs Senegal
- 16:00 – Kenya vs Uganda
MATCH DAY 2- Semis: Sunday 13 JULY 2025 (Local Time) (EAT)
- 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- Finals: Saturday 19 July 2025 (Local Time) (EAT)
- 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)
