- The 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Performance Division kicks off this weekend at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi from 23–31 May.
- Hosts Kenya Lionesses, who have finished runners-up three times, will begin their campaign against regional rivals Uganda Lady Cranes from 4pm on Saturday, 23 May.
- Four-time champions South Africa will face Madagascar earlier at 2pm in the tournament’s opening match.
The 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Performance Division kicks off this weekend at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi, running from 23–31 May.
The women’s national 15s side, the Kenya Lionesses, will be hoping to start the tournament on a high note at home when they square off against the neighboring rivals Uganda Lady Cranes in the opener, scheduled for 4pm EAT.
Marking the fifth edition of the tournament since its inaugural staging in 2019, the Lionesses are still chasing their maiden title after falling short in the previous four editions, excluding the 2020–2022 tournaments that were not held due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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South Africa’s Bok Women have dominated the competition, winning every edition played so far.
After finishing runners-up three times in 2019, 2023, and 2025, Simon Odongo’s charges will be aiming for nothing less than glory this year as they seek to dethrone the dominant South Africans. Doing so on home soil would make the triumph even sweeter.
Last year, the Kenya Lionesses reached the final in Antananarivo, Madagascar, where they won two of their matches before narrowly losing 19-12 to the defending champions, the Bok Women.
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Against Uganda, Kenya cruised to a commanding 47-0 victory last year during the Lady Cranes’ debut season in the top division following promotion.
Kenya Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo told local media in Nairobi during the squad unveiling ceremony that his side is well prepared, expressing confidence in the blend of 15s specialists and players integrated from the Sevens set-up.
“We had a squad of 40 players in training since March, and it has been trimmed down to 28 for the championship,” Odongo said.
“We currently have the Sevens players in camp, and I think that’s a big step for us because next year will be pivotal with both the World Cup and Olympic qualifiers approaching. This build-up period is therefore very important for both the 15s and Sevens teams.”
What’s at stake for 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup?
This year’s Rugby Africa Women’s Cup serves as the start of the qualification pathway to the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup in Australia, while the Sevens players will also be sharpening their preparations for qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The Kenyans are well aware of the Bok Women’s threat, but playing at home and buoyed by a passionate, rabid RFUEA Ground crowd, they will be hoping to finally reverse the script this time.
“Against South Africa (in 2025), we lost by just seven points, and I believe they were the only team we lost to last year. Having played at the World Cup, they will definitely be a tough side,” Odongo said.
“For us, the focus is on converting our chances better and narrowing the margin. If we can capitalize on our opportunities and deliver a clinical game, that would be positive. The challenge now is ensuring consistency, not only against Uganda and Madagascar, but also against South Africa.”
Meanwhile, the Uganda women’s, like in 2025, are the fourth side in this year’s tournament.
They ended third out of four in Antananarivo a year ago, with their 24–20 win over hosts Madagascar bookended by heavy losses to South Africa and Kenya.
The Lady Cranes featured in the 2025 top-tier competition following their promotion from Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Division One, and they are determined to avoid relegation and stay in the top flight.
“Last year, we were promoted to the top tier after beating Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe, and Tunisia,” assistant coach Charles Onen told Ugandan reporters.
“It was a very good feeling being back in the top tier. This is where Uganda is supposed to be playing. Here is where you measure yourself against the top-performing countries like Kenya, South Africa, and, currently, Madagascar.”
Meanwhile, South Africa will open their campaign against last year’s hosts Madagascar on Saturday, a side they overpowered 61–17 in the final match of the 2025 tournament as the Bok Women locked down their third consecutive title.
Madagascar went on to finish at the bottom after suffering three defeats against South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda.
Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2026 performance division fixtures (May 21-31)
Saturday, 23 May
- 14:00: South Africa v Madagascar
- 16:00: Kenya Lionesses vs Uganda Lady Cranes
Wednesday, 27 May
- 14:00: South Africa v Uganda
- 16:00: Kenya Lionesses vs Madagascar
Sunday, 31 May
- 14:00: Uganda vs Madagascar
- 16:00: South Africa v Kenya
Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Kenya Lionesses Squad
Forwards
Jane Chanya, Jascenta Musakali, Natasha Emali, Sheila Wesa, Valentine Otieno, Naomy Muhanji, Knight Otwoma, Phoebe Otieno, Charity Oteng’o, Naomi Jelagat, Edith Sitati, Nelly Chikombe, Naomi Amuguni, Sheila Chajira, Maria Gorette, Atieno Awuor, and Marvel Oswego.
Backs
Judith Auma, Edith Nariaka, Maureen Muritu, Faith Live, Janet Okello, Angel Salamba, Yvette Okech, Stella Wafula, Freshia Oduor, Tracey Montex, and Sinaida Mokaya.