Uganda to host Zimbabwe, Algeria, Namibia, Kenya, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Morocco from July 8 to July 19 at Mandela National Stadium for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup. (Fixtures and streaming information below)

The holy grail of rugby on the African continent, the Rugby Africa Cup, returns to Uganda on Tuesday, July 8 for the second year running.

The champions of this tournament qualify directly for Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027. The runner-up will still have a shot, entering a global repechage tournament against other nations from around the world for a final qualification spot.

All eight teams competing in Kampala are coming in more focused and prepared than ever – determined to claim that coveted place at rugby’s biggest stage.

Host’s Uganda has gone all out to ensure this edition of the tournament is bigger, and better. Upgraded facilities and passionate local fans promise a thrilling atmosphere at Nelson Mandela Stadium.

On the field, Uganda’s Rugby Cranes are deep into a high-performance preparation tour in Southern Africa, determined to keep the Africa Cup trophy at home this time around.

Their East African rivals Kenya are also ramping up preparations, keen to shed their nearly-men tag in the qualification quest. The Simbas have come heartbreakingly close to qualifying for past World Cups, often falling to Namibia at the final hurdle. Like Uganda, they’re using a Southern Africa tour to fine-tune their game ahead of the Kampala showdown.

Zimbabwe, last year’s champions, began prepping the moment they lifted the trophy in Kampala. The Sables closed out 2024 with an impressive tour of the Middle East and Asia, claiming wins over the UAE and South Korea.

2024 runners-up, Algeria are no strangers to upsets and continue to prove they’re a serious threat to any side on the continent.

Of course, you can never overlook Namibia. Africa’s most consistent World Cup qualifiers outside of South Africa, they’ve held the continental crown for decades. Since 1999, they’ve been Africa’s flag bearers at every World Cup. To beat them is the ultimate benchmark – something no team has managed since Côte d’Ivoire’s historic qualification in 1995.

The Ivorians, who narrowly escaped relegation last year in Kampala, now return hoping to channel the spirit of their golden generation and shock the continent once again.

They won’t be alone in their ambition. Senegal and newly promoted Morocco, also enter the tournament with plenty of hunger to this year’s contest. It is clear that every nation will leave it all on the field.

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).