The stage is officially set for the Rugby Africa Cup 2025, with the match schedule confirmed for the highly anticipated tournament that will run from 8th to 19th July 2025 at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole in Kampala.
This year’s edition not only marks Uganda’s second consecutive time hosting the continental showpiece but also serves as the final qualification tournament for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The winner of the Rugby Africa Cup will earn a direct ticket to the global stage, while the runner- up will proceed to the final repechage competition, also to be hosted in Uganda.
Match Day 1, scheduled for Tuesday, 8th July, promises high drama and continental flair, as eight of Africa’s top rugby nations collide in the quarterfinals.
The day begins with Zimbabwe taking on Morocco at 10:00 AM, followed by Madagascar vs Mauritius at noon, and a fiery third fixture between Namibia and Senegal at 2:00 PM.
The day’s headline clash, however, will be the East African derby between Kenya and hosts Uganda at 4:00 PM, a rematch brimming with rivalry, passion, and qualification implications.
“We couldn’t ask for a bigger opening fixture,” said URU President Godwin Kayangwe. “Uganda vs Kenya is more than a match—it’s a statement about where East African rugby stands.”
Match Day 2 will be held on Sunday 13th July, featuring semifinal matchups and classification games.
The tournament will culminate on Saturday 19th July, with a full day of finals and classification matches. The final will crown Africa’s top rugby nation and determine who earns the coveted spot at Rugby World Cup 2027.
Fans attending the tournament can expect a vibrant, fully cashless matchday experience powered by MTN MoMo, with tickets available now via the MTN MoMo App, by dialling *165*20#, or visiting www.momoticketing.com. Early bird, VIP, and VVIP ticket packages are available.
The tournament is powered by an impressive roster of partners, including MTN Uganda, Nile Special, RockBoom, Ugandan Toursim Board and NBS Sport with support from the Government of Uganda.
Match Day 1 – Tuesday 8 July 2025 (Quarterfinals)
- 10:00 – Zimbabwe vs Morocco
- 12:00 – Madagascar vs Mauritius
- 14:00 – Namibia vs Senegal
- 16:00 – Kenya vs Uganda
Match Day 2 – Sunday 13 July 2025 (Semifinals & Classification)
- 10:00 – Loser Match 2 vs Loser Match 3
- 12:00 – Loser Match 1 vs Loser Match 4
- 14:00 – Winner Match 2 vs Winner Match 3
- 16:00 – Winner Match 1 vs Winner Match 4
Match Day 3 – Saturday 19 July 2025 (Finals Day)
- 10:00 – 7th Place Final
- 12:00 – 5th Place Final
- 14:00 – 3rd Place Final
- 16:00 – Championship Final
Uganda now turns its focus to delivering a world-class tournament both on and off the pitch— one that not only showcases the best of African rugby, but ignites a movement of national pride and sporting excellence.
“This is our moment to host, compete, and inspire,” said Kayangwe. “We invite every Ugandan to be part of it.”
Tickets for the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 are now available via the MTN MoMo App and at www.momoticketing.com.
Organised by Rugby Africa (www.rugbyafrique.com), the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, in partnership with Uganda Rugby Union. The 2025 tournament features Uganda, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Namibia, Kenya, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Morocco from July 8 to July 19. All matches will be available for streaming on Rugby Pass TV, Rugby Africa Facebook and the official broadcasting partner, NBS Sport (https://nbssport.co.ug).