Rugby: Rwanda Name 17-Player Provisional Squad for Africa Women’s Sevens 2026

Rugby: Rwanda Name 17-Player Provisional Squad for Africa Women’s Sevens 2026

Rwanda have named a provisional squad of 17 players for the 2026 Africa Women’s Sevens as the national team prepares to compete at the continental tournament scheduled for November 7–8 at RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, Kenya.

The competition, organised under Rugby Africa’s 40th-anniversary celebrations, will also serve as the World Rugby SVNS 3 Africa Qualifiers, bringing together 12 national teams seeking continental honours and a pathway into the international rugby sevens circuit.

Head coach Lucien Bikamba has selected players from five domestic clubs for the provisional squad, with Ruhango Zebras Women RFC providing the largest contingent of eight players.

The club’s representatives are Niyonkuru Henriette, Tuyishimire Claudine, Uwera Ernestine, Urugene Uwizeyimana, Uwimana Tantine, Umuhoza Denyse, Uwimanimipaye Sylvie and Niyigena Umwari Henriette.

1000 Hills Rugby contribute Uwizeyimana Diane, Umwiza Liliane and Gasengayire Jacqueline, while ES Kabarondo have two representatives, Giramata Joycine and Igirimpuhwe Joice. Mushimiyimana Hadidja represents Kamonyi Panthers WRFC, while Resilience RFC contribute Uwineza Clarisse, Rachel Uwitonze and Liliane Nyiracyiza.

Rwanda have been drawn in Pool A alongside defending champions South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The team will open its campaign against South Africa before facing Zambia and concluding the pool stage against Zimbabwe.

Rwanda have been drawn in Pool A alongside defending champions South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe for the 2026 Africa Women’s Sevens, set for November 7–8 at RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, Kenya

South Africa enter the competition as the team to beat after defeating hosts Kenya 22–0 in the 2025 final to claim their 13th continental title.

Pool B features hosts Kenya, Tunisia, Ghana and Egypt, while Pool C comprises Uganda, Madagascar, Mauritius and Burkina Faso.

With 12 nations divided into three pools of four, the Nairobi tournament is expected to provide a competitive test for the participating teams as they pursue qualification opportunities on the international stage.

The competition’s importance extends beyond the African title, with the tournament winner set to secure Africa’s qualification place for the World Rugby SVNS 3 competition.

For Rwanda, the tournament presents an opportunity to measure their progress against established continental opponents and strengthen the country’s position in women’s rugby sevens.

The provisional squad gives the coaching staff an opportunity to assess the selected players before confirming the final team. Rwanda’s delegation is expected to arrive in Nairobi on November 5 and return to Kigali on November 9.

With the tournament approaching, Rwanda will look to make the most of their preparations as they target competitive performances in Nairobi.

Rwanda head coach Lucien Bikamba, who has named a provisional 17-player squad for the Africa Women’s Sevens 2026, as the national team prepares to compete against South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 7–8.