The African women’s rugby calendar is heating up as we head into a massive month of May. With the dust finally settling on the 2025 World Cup cycle, the continent’s top nations are descending upon Nairobi, Kenya to kick off a brand new era.
This year’s Rugby Africa Women’s Cup (May 23 through 31) promises to be one of the most competitive yet. South Africa’s Springbok Women arrive as the heavy favorites to defend their title, but the chasing pack, led by a resurgent Kenya Lionesses, is closing the gap. At the same time, the Division 1 tournament in Tunis (May 8 through 16) will determine who earns the right to compete with the elite next season.
The Heavyweights: Main Cup in Nairobi
The RFUEA Ground will be the epicenter of the action. South Africa enters the tournament with a target on their back, having won every edition since the tournament’s inception in 2019. However, hosting the tournament gives Kenya a distinct “16th player” advantage. The Lionesses have been investing heavily in their pathway programs, and the Nairobi crowd is known for being loud, proud, and intimidating.
Madagascar remains the wildcard with their high tempo style, while Uganda enters the fray looking to solidify their place in the top tier after proving they belong during last year’s campaign.
Year | Winner | Runner-up | Notes |
| 2025 | South Africa | Kenya | Madagascar hosted; SA went undefeated |
| 2024 | South Africa | Madagascar | Madagascar’s first time in the top two |
| 2023 | South Africa | Kenya | SA secured WXV 2 qualification |
| 2022 | N/A | N/A | Qualifier phase for 2023 |
| 2021 | N/A | N/A | Series of test matches only |
| 2020 | N/A | N/A | Canceled due to COVID-19 |
| 2019 | South Africa | Kenya | Inaugural tournament in Brakpan |
The Promotion Battle: Division 1 in Tunis
Before the Main Cup kicks off, all eyes will be on Tunisia for the Division 1 tournament. This year is particularly historic as Morocco makes its official international debut in women’s 15s. They will face a powerhouse Tunisia side and a gritty Ivory Coast team in a round robin format. The stakes are high because the winner secures promotion to the 2027 Main Cup.
Year | Host | Winner | Runner-up | Notes |
| 2025 | Ivory Coast | Uganda | Tunisia | Uganda went undefeated to earn promotion |
| 2026 | Tunisia |
Watch
Fans can watch the action live in Nairobi or typically matches will be broadcast on the Rugby Africa Youtube and RugbyPassTV.
If you need a VPN, our top recommendation is always NordVPN. They’re known for providing a stable connection and delivering high-speed service, so you can count on a seamless browsing experience. Click the link for our special discount.
Champion – Africa Cup Premier
Standings – Africa Cup Premier
Schedule & Results – Africa Cup
Date | Time (CST/CDT) | Team 1 | Score | Team 2 | Score |
| 5/23/26 | 2:00 PM | South Africa | 64 | Madagascar | 5 |
| 5/23/26 | 4:00 PM | Kenya | 43 | Uganda | 10 |
| 5/27/2026 | 2:00 PM | Kenya | 57 | Madagascar | 0 |
| 5/27/2026 | 4:00 PM | South Africa | 47 | Uganda | 20 |
| 5/31/2026 | 2:00 PM | South Africa | 35 | Kenya | 20 |
| 5/31/2026 | 4:00 PM | Uganda | 46 | Madagascar | 12 |
Division 1 – Champion & Promoted to Africa Cup 2027
Division 1 – Standings
Division 1 – Schedule & Results
Date | Time (CST/CDT) | Team 1 | Score | Team 2 | Score |
| 5/8/2026 | 3:30 PM | Tunisia | 85 | Ivory Coast | 0 |
| 5/12/2026 | 3:30 PM | Morocco | 27 | Ivory Coast | 5 |
| 5/16/2026 | 3:30 PM | Tunisia | 54 | Morocco | 0 |
Subscribe to our newsletter
Your source for all things women’s rugby. Join the conversation and get our weekly Rundown in one quick, five-minute watch. Sign up below to stay in the know.