The 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s 7s heads to Nairobi’s RFUEA Grounds on November 15–16, drawing together eleven teams all aiming to end the twelfth team, South Africa’s long reign at the top of the continent. As the excitement builds, the Two5Four Rugby team takes a closer look at how the pools might unfold, and what the knockout stages could have in store.
From where we sit, it’s easy to see who the likely pool winners will be come Saturday evening. The quartet of South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Tunisia seem destined to lead their respective groups, and it’s highly probable that this same group will produce this year’s African champion.
In Pool A, defending champions South Africa are clear favorites. The Lady Blitzboks should comfortably top a group that includes Zimbabwe and Mauritius. Zimbabwe, though competitive, are likely to settle for second place and join South Africa in the Cup quarterfinals.
Pool B looks just as straightforward. Hosts Kenya, welcoming the event for the second time in 11 years, are expected to cruise past Ghana and Ivory Coast. Ghana,who hosted last year’s edition,have enough firepower to edge out Ivory Coast for second place.
Uganda arrive in Nairobi with quiet confidence and a real shot at making their first final since 2018. They should dominate Pool C, which also features Zambia and Burkina Faso. Zambia are a cut above Burkina Faso and should take the runner-up slot.
Pool D will likely come down to Tunisia and Madagascar. Tunisia, having benefited from a strong showing at October’s Safari 7s in Nairobi, appear slightly better prepared and should top the pool. Madagascar’s buildup has been hindered by political unrest back home, while debutants Egypt will be keen to learn and grow from the experience.
At the end of pool play, the expected quarterfinal lineup should feature South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Tunisia as pool winners, joined by Zimbabwe, Ghana, Zambia, and Madagascar as runners-up.
The projected semifinal picture points to South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Tunisia — setting the stage for what many fans are already calling the dream final: Kenya vs. South Africa.
Pedigree may favor the Lady Blitzboks, but the Lionesses will take inspiration from their 17–14 win over the South Africans in the World Rugby Challenger Series final back in May. That result gives this rematch an extra edge, and should make for a thrilling conclusion to what promises to be a memorable weekend of African women’s rugby in Nairobi.
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