Kenya will host 11 other nations at the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup on November 7 and 8, with the winner earning a place in the World Rugby SVNS Division 3.
The tournament will be held at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, bringing together 12 teams to compete for the African title and the chance to progress to the international sevens circuit.
Kenya’s Lionesses will be looking to make the most of home advantage as they chase the title after finishing runners-up in the previous edition.
The hosts have been drawn in Pool B alongside Tunisia, Ghana and Egypt. They will need to navigate the group successfully to keep their hopes of winning the tournament alive.
Defending champions South Africa are in Pool A, where they will face Zambia, Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
Pool C features Uganda, Madagascar, Mauritius and Burkina Faso, completing the line-up for the two-day competition.
With only one place available in SVNS Division 3, the tournament offers a major opportunity for the participating teams to advance on the international stage.
For Kenya, the competition presents a chance to improve on last year’s finish and reclaim the continental crown in front of local supporters.
The Lionesses will be counting on their familiarity with the home conditions as they prepare to face their pool opponents. However, they will need strong performances throughout the competition, with the other nations also aiming for the same qualification spot.
South Africa will enter the tournament as defending champions, while the remaining teams will be seeking to challenge their position and secure the title.
The draw sets up a contest involving teams from across the continent, with Nairobi expected to host two days of competitive women’s sevens rugby.
As preparations continue, Kenya’s focus will be on making a strong start in Pool B and building momentum towards the knockout stages.
The ultimate prize is a place in World Rugby SVNS Division 3, making the Nairobi tournament an important test for all 12 nations.
For the Lionesses, winning at home would offer a chance to return to the top of African women’s sevens rugby and take the next step on the international circuit.
