Kenya is preparing to welcome the continent’s leading women’s rugby sevens teams to Nairobi this weekend as the national Lionesses target continental glory in the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Championship.
The two-day tournament, scheduled for November 7 and 8 at the RFUEA Grounds, will bring together 11 national teams competing for the continental crown and a coveted qualification place in the HSBC SVNS 3 competition.
The championship will feature hosts Kenya alongside Burkina Faso, Ghana, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
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The hosting announcement was made by Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, on behalf of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports.
The tournament further strengthens Kenya’s position as a host destination for major international sporting events while providing a platform for the promotion and development of women’s sport across the country.
Rising Lionesses Make History at Dakar Youth Olympics
The championship comes at a particularly significant moment for Kenyan rugby following the remarkable performance of the Rising Lionesses at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
The young Kenyan side captured the gold medal after defeating Australia 17–12 in a dramatic extra-time final, delivering a historic achievement for the country and African rugby.
Their triumph marked the first time an African nation had won a rugby sevens gold medal at either the Olympic Games or Youth Olympic Games.
On their way to the final, Kenya registered a commanding 19–0 victory over hosts Senegal, defeated China 12–5 and overcame Madagascar 15–5 in the semi-finals.
The historic achievement has further raised the profile of women’s rugby in Kenya, with attention now shifting to the senior national team as it prepares for the continental championship on home soil.
Kenya Lionesses Target Continental Supremacy
The senior Kenya Lionesses will head into the competition with confidence after retaining their Safari Sevens title following a 22–5 victory over Uganda in the final.
The team will now be seeking to build on that success by securing the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens crown before their home supporters.
However, the challenge will not be straightforward, with South Africa, Uganda, Madagascar and other continental rivals also seeking to finish at the top.
Beyond winning the championship, Kenya will be targeting qualification for the HSBC SVNS 3, which would provide the national team with an opportunity to return to the international rugby sevens circuit.
The home tournament therefore presents an important opportunity for the Lionesses to demonstrate their progress against some of Africa’s strongest women’s rugby teams.
Nairobi Prepares for Continental Rugby Showdown
With 11 nations expected in Nairobi, the RFUEA Grounds will become the centre of African women’s rugby for two days as teams compete for continental honours.
The championship also provides an opportunity to showcase the growing talent in women’s rugby and encourage greater participation among girls and young women.
