Continental Rivals Aim to Unseat South Africa’s Springbok Women at 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup
Africa’s top women’s rugby nations have arrived in Madagascar with one thing on their minds: ending the dominance of reigning champions South Africa at the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.
The 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup kicks off this weekend, Saturday, June 7 to Sunday, June 15 in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The Springbok Women, defending champions and Africa’s only representative at the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup, are staring down their fiercest continental test yet.
Kenya, Madagascar, and recently-promoted Uganda round out a four-team lineup that promises a tighter, more unpredictable tournament than ever before.
Among the biggest threats to South Africa’s dominance are Kenya’s Lionesses. Twice runners-up in the competition, they’ve long stood in the Springboks’ shadow but now see a chance to step into the light.
“Our goal is first of all to ensure we win the Africa Cup, and also to qualify for the 2029 Women’s World Cup in our long-term plan,” said assistant coach Simon Odongo.
Then, of course, hosts Madagascar, should never be counted out, relying heavily on home support.
The Antananarivo crowd is indeed a sight to behold, when in full cry, some of the most avid rugby fans you will ever see on the continent. Last year, the boisterous crowds pushed Madagascar towards a commendable second position behind the Springbok Women.
“After finishing as runners-up in 2024, the Makis Ladies XV are determined to claim their first continental title this year, bolstered by home advantage and intensive preparation,” said Madagascan Rugby Federation Director General Victor Lie-Andriavelomanana.
“Since early April, the Makis Ladies have been in a training camp with two daily sessions led by coaches Alain Randriamihaja and Noé Mboazafy.”
Uganda’s Lady Cranes, back in the top division after winning the Division 1 title in Côte d’Ivoire in April, open against South Africa on Saturday, June 7.
Uganda are always known to put up a strong fight, their coach Charles Onen knows his charges will have their work out for them on their return to the premier division of African women’s rugby.
“It’s going to be a tough contest for us, putting into consideration that all the other three teams played in the WXV last year and they picked vast experience,” said head coach Charles Onen.
“South Africa have been in camp preparing for the World Cup and their team is in better shape than before. Testing ourselves against them will be a good thing.
“Kenya have also been our rivals for quite some time; we tend to throw all at each other and have an exciting game. And Madagascar being at home, with a big crowd to cheer them on, it will also require patience from our players to deliver in the different moments of the game in pressure moments.”
South Africa, have landed in Antananarivo with two things in mind: win their fourth title (2019, 2023, 2024) and gain valuable preparation for the 2025 Rugby Women’s World Cup in England.
“The Springbok Women are very proud of their record in the Africa Cup, a tournament we value very much as the continental showpiece,” said forwards coach Franzel September.
“So, we travel to Madagascar with no other intention than to retain the trophy. The team will have a mix of uncapped players alongside some very experienced players. Although the tournament squad did not have that much time together, the wider group of players were in monthly camps as part of the wider World Cup training. We see this tournament as very important in our preparations.”
South Africa have had to shake off intense competition to win the last two Africa Cup tournaments, both also hosted by Madagascar.
“We expect the same as last year,” said September.
“We as team love coming to Madagascar and play in front of these amazing crowds, who are so knowledgeable and passionate about women’s rugby. The surface is also a good one to play on, so the players can’t wait to get another run.”
Since the Africa Women’s Cup was first held in 2019, only South Africa has won every edition. The 2020–2022 tournaments weren’t officially staged, but when the competition returned in 2023, the Springboks picked up right where they left off.
Now, the same four countries that finished atop last year’s Women’s Africa Sevens tournament in Accra, Ghana – South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Madagascar – will also contest the 2025 fifteens title.
It all starts Saturday, June 7 at Stade Makis in Antananarivo, Madagascar. Free streaming will be available on Rugby Africa’s official Facebook and RugbyPass TV.
Organised by Rugby Africa (www.rugbyafrique.com), the continental governing body of Rugby across Africa, in partnership with Madagascar Rugby Union, the 2025 tournament features Madagascar, Kenya, South Africa and Uganda.
Streaming
Rugby Africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RugbyAfrique
RugbyPass TV: https://rugbypass.tv
Match Day 1: Saturday 07 June 2025 (Local Time) (EAT) (+3 GMT)
- 13:00 – South Africa vs Uganda
- 15:00 – Kenya vs Madagascar
Match Day 2: Wednesday 11 June 2025 (Local Time) (EAT)(+3 GMT)
- 13:00 – South Africa vs Kenya
- 15:00 – Madagascar vs Uganda
Match Day 3: Sunday 15 June 2025 (Local Time) (EAT) (+3 GMT)
- 13:00 – Kenya vs Uganda
- 15:00 – South Africa vs Madagascar
Written by Enock Muchinjo
