From Grassroots to Game Day: Egypt Marks First Africa Women’s Sevens Appearance in Kenya
“The women’s game has been a powerful launch pad for rugby in Egypt. It offers a new and exciting space for female athletes eager for competition and visibility.” — Menna Sedky, Egypt’s Women’s Rugby Representative
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – This week, Egypt’s women’s team will mark their debut at the 2025 Africa Women’s Sevens tournament in Nairobi on November 15 and 16.
The beauty of rugby lies in its unique ethos — a game built on respect, teamwork, and community. Those very values are now finding a new home in Egypt, where the sport is still in its early stages but growing fast.
“Rugby’s values resonate strongly with Egyptian culture, which deeply emphasises community, loyalty, pride, and responsibility,” says Menna Sedky, an official of the Egyptian Rugby Football Union (ERFU). “Egyptians already show immense devotion to their national teams, and rugby’s team-first mentality offers a powerful new channel for that passion.”
Sedky adds that the sport’s respect for coaches, referees, and opponents mirrors Egypt’s traditions of courtesy and dignity. “This cultural compatibility gives rugby a strong foundation to grow across the country,” she explains. “It’s not only a sport that demands physical strength and teamwork, but one that reinforces the very values Egyptians hold in high regard.”
Egypt became a Full Member of Rugby Africa in 2019 and later achieved World Rugby Full Member status on 14 November 2024. Exactly one year later, their women’s team makes history by competing in their first-ever continental tournament.
“The women’s game has been a powerful launch pad for rugby in Egypt,” says Sedky, who also serves as Egypt’s Women’s Rugby Representative. “It offers a new and exciting space for female athletes eager for competition and visibility.”
The women’s national team has been pivotal in building credibility and attracting investment to the sport. “It has shown that rugby in Egypt is not limited by tradition or gender.”
“Making our debut at the Africa Women’s Sevens in Kenya this November feels incredibly rewarding because it reflects the work that has been established over the past six years with a clear focus on women’s development,” Sedky says.
While achieving World Rugby membership was a major milestone, she notes that it was the culmination of years of grassroots work.
“Full membership unlocked greater access to development programmes specifically supporting girls and women. It has accelerated our ability to grow and strengthen the game. Stepping onto this continental stage shows that Egyptian women’s rugby is moving from building to competing — and that our progress is both visible and sustainable.”
In Nairobi, the Egyptians will arrive aiming to leave a mark on their first tournament, squeezing every ounce of potential against teams of higher profile.
“The team will be stepping into a competition where many opponents have years of experience behind them, which creates both a challenge and a valuable opportunity,” Sedky says.
Her goal is clear, “what I genuinely hope to achieve in Kenya is to see the team perform at its absolute finest, expressing the skills, character, and determination they have built over time.”
Rugby’s presence in Egypt dates back to British settlers, many years ago. But with the departure of those communities, participation faded — until a recent revival.
“Historically, the connection is grounded in British colonial and military introduction, followed by expatriate club life, then transition to Egyptian governance and increasing Egyptian player participation,” Sedky explains.
Today, Egypt’s vibrant international community still plays a key role in keeping the sport alive, alongside a growing local following. “The profile of rugby in Egypt has increased through regional Sevens tournaments and media coverage of international affiliations,” she says.
Although rugby is still less mainstream than football or handball, interest is rising — especially among youth, schools, and sports fans looking for something fresh.
The 2025 Africa Women’s Sevens is the first major step towards the goal of making rugby in Egypt a core sport. “Egyptians have a sharp appreciation for exciting, high-quality sport that rugby delivers,” Sedky notes.
Her outlook for the next decade is ambitious yet grounded. “In the next 10 years, Egyptian rugby can reasonably be expected to establish itself as a recognised and respected sport both regionally and on the global stage.”
With continued investment in coaching, governance, and youth development, she believes rugby in Egypt will evolve into a sport that embodies national pride, athletic excellence, and inclusive opportunity for the next generation.
Organised by Rugby Africa (www.rugbyafrique.com), the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, in partnership with Kenya Rugby Union (https://www.kru.co.ke) from November 15 to November 16. All matches will be available for streaming on Rugby Pass TV and Rugby Africa Facebook.
To Buy Tickets: https://tikohub.com/events/356
Participating Teams:
Pool A: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mauritius
Pool B: Kenya, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire
Pool C: Uganda, Zambia, Burkina Faso
Pool D: Madagascar, Tunisia, Egypt
Streaming
Rugby Africa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RugbyAfrique
RugbyPass TV: https://rugbypass.tv
Match Day 1: Saturday 15 November 2025 (Local Time) (EAT)
- 09:00 – Tunisia vs Egypt
- 09:22 – Zambia vs Burkina Faso
- 09:44 – Ghana vs Côte d’Ivoire
- 10:06 – Zimbabwe vs Mauritius
- 12:00 – Madagascar vs Egypt
- 12:22 – Uganda vs Burkina Faso
- 12:44 – Kenya vs Côte d’Ivoire
- 13:06 – South Africa vs Mauritius
- 15:00 – Madagascar vs Tunisia
- 15:22 – Uganda vs Zambia
- 15:44 – South Africa vs Zimbabwe
- 16:06 – Kenya vs Ghana
Match Day 2: Sunday 16 November 2025 (Local Time) (EAT) (TBD)
- 09:00 – Cup QF1
- 09:22 – Cup QF2
- 09:44 – Cup QF3
- 10:06 – Cup QF4
- 10:28 – 9th Place SF1
- 10:50 – 9th Place SF2
- 11:30 – 5th Place SF1
- 11:52 – 5th Place SF2
- 12:14 – Cup SF1
- 12:36 – Cup SF2
- 12:58 – 11th Place Final
- 13:20 – 9th Place Final
- 15:00 – 7th Place Final
- 15:25 – 5th Place Final
- 15:54 – Bronze
- 16:30 – Gold
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Written By Enock Muchinjo
