All roads lead to the RFUEA Grounds along Ngong Road this November as Nairobi prepares to host the 2025 Africa Women’s Sevens, a continental showpiece that doubles up as a qualifier for the World Rugby SVNS Division 3. Scheduled for November 15–16, the two-day festival of rugby will bring together 12 nations, including powerhouses South Africa, Kenya, and Uganda, in what promises to be one of the most electrifying weekends of women’s rugby on African soil.

The Africa Women’s Sevens has been dominated by South Africa in recent years, with the Springbok Women’s Sevens winning the last four editions. Kenya and Uganda have been consistent challengers, completing the same top three standings in both 2023 and 2024. The three nations also mirrored that order in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 15s earlier this year, highlighting their continued supremacy in the women’s game across the continent.

This time, however, the script could be different. Playing at home and buoyed by passionate fans, the Kenya Lionesses are out to reclaim the continental crown they last lifted in 2018.

“They’ve been working quietly but relentlessly,” says KRU Boss Harriet Achieng Okach. “Last year’s final proved how close the gap is. The Lionesses are not just participating; they’re hunting gold. This is about inspiring the next generation of girls to believe they too can conquer Africa.”

Harriet is confident that the home advantage will make a crucial difference. “When those women step onto that pitch and hear the Kenyan fans behind them, something magical happens,” she remarks. “You can feel the energy, the pride, the passion , it fuels every tackle, every sprint, every try. The Lionesses are ready, and this city is ready for them.”

The KRU boss believes the tournament is not only about competition but also a statement of progress for African women’s rugby. “Every year, the level goes higher. From the coaches to the athletes, the commitment and professionalism are unmatched,” she explains.

This tournament is more than just sport , it’s a movement that celebrates African women breaking boundaries. Hosting it here in Nairobi is our way of saying that women’s rugby deserves the spotlight, and we’re proud to lead that charge.” – KRU Boss Harriet Okatch.

South Africa’s Nadine Roos, the continent’s leading points scorer, remains cautious despite her team’s pedigree. “We’re focused on ourselves and our preparations,” she told Rugby Africa Media. “Kenya are strong and improving every year. We’ll take it one step at a time, but the standard of women’s rugby in Africa keeps getting better.”

Uganda, under coach Charles Onen, are also determined to build on their third-place finish in Accra last year. “We’ve worked on our conditioning and mental toughness,” Onen explains. “This time, we want to go further and prove that we belong among Africa’s best.”

The 12-team competition will feature four pools of three. Pool A includes South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mauritius; Pool B has hosts Kenya alongside Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire; Pool C features Uganda, Zambia, and Burkina Faso; while Pool D brings together Madagascar, Tunisia, and Egypt. Pool action kicks off at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, with the finals set for Sunday.

Beyond the competition, organisers have promised an unforgettable experience under the theme “Home Ground. Home Glory.” The RFUEA Grounds will transform into a festival of sport and culture, complete with fan zones, women-in-sport forums, live music, and school rugby clinics. “Fans can expect thrilling matches, vibrant energy, and that unique Kenyan flair,” adds Harriet Okatch. “We want every visitor to leave saying, ‘only Kenya can do it like that.’ This is not just a tournament; it’s a celebration of African excellence, women’s strength, and our shared love for the game.”

Matches will be streamed live on RugbyPass TV and Rugby Africa’s Facebook page. For those attending in person, tickets are available via TikoHub. As Africa’s best women’s teams descend on Nairobi, one thing is certain , the roar of the Lionesses will echo loudly across Ngong Road, as Kenya chases not just victory, but history.