Kenya to host prestigious Africa Women’s tournament
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 27.04.26. | 09:16
Kenya has already shown its capability in organizing major women’s events, having hosted the Rugby Africa Women’s 7s last year, where South Africa edged out the Lionesses to clinch the title
Kenya is set to take center stage in African women’s rugby after being confirmed as the host of the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Performance Division tournament.
The competition will be held at the RFUEA Grounds from Thursday, 21 to Sunday, 31 May, bringing together four of the continent’s top sides: South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Madagascar.
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The Kenya Rugby Union announced the development, terming it a major milestone for the growth of the women’s game locally.
“We are pleased to announce that Kenya will be hosting the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Performance Division at the RFUEA Grounds from the 21st to the 31st of May,” read part of the statement.
South Africa head into the tournament as defending champions following a dominant run in the previous edition.
The Springbok Women emphatically sealed the title with a 61-17 victory over Madagascar at the Stade Makis, completing a perfect campaign of three wins from three matches.
Kenya’s Lionesses, who finished second in that competition, will be eager to capitalize on home advantage and go one better this time round.
The tournament will also mark their first 15s outing of the year, adding extra significance as they look to build momentum and test combinations against elite opposition.
Hosting the tournament represents a major boost for women’s rugby in Kenya.
It not only offers the Lionesses a rare opportunity to compete at the highest continental level on home soil, but also reflects growing confidence in the country’s ability to stage top-tier competitions.
Kenya has already shown its capability in organizing major women’s events, having hosted the Rugby Africa Women’s 7s last year, where South Africa edged out the Lionesses to clinch the title.
That experience is expected to play a key role in delivering a successful 15s tournament.
The Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, played annually among the continent’s top teams, has also served as a pathway to global competitions.
In 2024, South Africa secured qualification to the Rugby World Cup 2025 after winning the tournament in Madagascar, before successfully defending their crown in 2025.
Attention will now turn to Nairobi, where the Lionesses will begin their campaign with a regional derby against Uganda on May 23, before facing Madagascar on 27 May.
They will wrap up their fixtures with a high-stakes clash against defending champions South Africa on 31 May.
Preliminary Fixture Focus (May 2026)
May 23: Kenya vs. Uganda
May 27: Kenya vs. Madagascar
May 31: Kenya vs. South Africa