Rwanda’s national women’s rugby sevens team gained valuable international experience at the 2026 Africa Women’s Sevens Championship in Nairobi, Kenya, as Uganda’s Lady Cranes made history by winning their first continental title.

The two-day tournament, held on November 7 and 8 at the RFUEA Grounds, brought together 11 African national teams competing for continental honours and qualification for the World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3 competition.

Uganda emerged champions after defeating Tunisia 33-0 in Sunday's final, completing an impressive campaign that also earned them qualification for the international SVNS 3 competition.

The Lady Cranes demonstrated their quality throughout the tournament, including a memorable 24-17 quarter-final victory over defending champions South Africa.

They went on to overcome hosts Kenya 19-14 in a dramatic semi-final before producing a dominant display against Tunisia in the final. Lydia Namabiro scored three tries to help secure the historic victory.

Tunisia finished second, while Kenya claimed third place after defeating Zimbabwe 27-7 in the bronze-medal match.

Rwanda Represented on the Continental Stage

Rwanda was among the 11 nations represented at the championship, competing in Pool A alongside South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Although the Rwandan side faced challenging opposition, the tournament provided an important opportunity for its players to gain experience against established teams in African women's rugby.

Rwanda opened its campaign against South Africa, suffering a 57-0 defeat, before losing 50-0 to Zambia. The team later fell 27-5 to Zimbabwe in its final pool match.

In the classification matches on Sunday, Rwanda lost 43-0 to Ghana in the ninth-place semi-final.

Despite the difficult results, Rwanda's participation remains an important part of the country's continued presence in regional and continental women's rugby competitions.

East Africa Continues to Make Its Mark

Uganda's historic triumph and Kenya's third-place finish underlined the growing competitiveness of women's rugby in East Africa.

The two neighbouring countries reached the semi-finals, with Uganda eventually progressing to the final and securing the continental crown.

For Rwanda, the championship offers valuable lessons and a platform to build on as the country continues developing women's rugby and creating opportunities for local players to compete at a higher level.

The 2026 edition also highlighted the importance of continued investment in player development, competitive exposure and stronger structures for women's rugby across the continent.

Final standings – Africa Women's Sevens 2026

1. Uganda – Champions

2. Tunisia – Runners-up

3. Kenya – Third place

4. Zimbabwe – Fourth place

5. Zambia – Fifth place

6. South Africa – Sixth place

7. Madagascar – Seventh place

8. Mauritius – Eighth place

9. Ghana – Ninth place

10. Rwanda – Tenth place

11. Burkina Faso – Eleventh place

Uganda will now carry Africa's hopes into the HSBC SVNS 3 competition, while Rwanda will look to build on the experience gained in Nairobi as it continues its journey in women's rugby.

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