Uganda Welcomes Webb Ellis Cup, Rugby’s Most Prestigious Trophy, Ahead of 2025 Rugby Africa Cup
Webb Ellis Cup is awarded to the winner of the Men’s Rugby World Cup, the world’s flagship rugby tournament organised by World Rugby
KAMPALA, Uganda- Today, Uganda welcomes the iconic and globally revered Webb Ellis Cup ahead of the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, taking place from July 8 to 19 at Mandela National Stadium. The tournament also serves as Africa’s official qualification pathway to Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027.
For the first time ever, rugby’s most prestigious trophy arrived in Uganda, giving fans and young athletes a unique opportunity to connect with the iconic symbol of the sport’s highest honour. Originally crafted in 1906 and named after William Webb Ellis, the English schoolboy credited with inventing rugby in 1823, the Webb Ellis Cup is awarded to the winner of the Men’s Rugby World Cup, the world’s flagship rugby tournament, organised by World Rugby (https://www.world.rugby), the international governing body of rugby.
The Uganda Rugby Union, governing body of rugby in Uganda, in partnership with Rugby Africa (www.rugbyafrique.com), the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, will host a national reception and a series of public engagements around the Cup. Senior World Rugby delegates, including Jonathan Webb, Vice Chair of World Rugby and David Carrigy, Chief of International Relations, will accompany the trophy during its official programme in Uganda. Their presence highlights Uganda’s increasingly prominent role as hosts of this year’s most important African rugby tournament.
World Rugby Chair, Brett Robinson commented:
“Africa is a region of incredible potential for our game, and Uganda’s hosting of the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time is a powerful moment in our mission to grow rugby in every corner of the globe. The trophy itself is a symbol that will continue to inspire generations of players and fans alike, and with it currently held by South Africa, its presence here feels especially meaningful. We are excited to see which African nation will rise through the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 and earn their place on the world stage at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia. This is more than a qualification journey; it’s a celebration of African rugby’s bright future.”
President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah, praises the arrival of the trophy at the Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda:
“The irony is that the Webb Ellis Cup, in rugby terms, is the one thing that can truly stand the test of time. People like me will come and go. Even the great teams will come and go, they will become mere memories. Our fathers and grandfathers will remember the trophy, and our children and grandchildren will always remember it. It means everything.
“For the Webb Ellis Cup to be in Uganda for the first time, ahead of Africa’s most important qualifier, shows how far both Uganda and African rugby have come. This is a proud moment for Uganda and for the continent. The moment belongs to every African player who dreams of lifting this trophy one day.”
During its time in Uganda, the Cup will be received as a state visit, other official engagements include a youth rugby festival at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds, a live feature on NBS Sport’s “Road to Australia 2027” and a public display during the Rugby Africa Cup opening match at Mandela National Stadium.
The 2025 Rugby Africa Cup will feature eight of the continent’s top teams, Uganda, Namibia, Kenya, Morocco, Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, and 2024 champions Zimbabwe, competing in a knockout tournament for the African spot at the Rugby World Cup, the winner will also qualify for the second division of the Nations Cup. Notably, with all qualification set to conclude by the end of 2025, a first in Men’s Rugby World Cup history, all participating teams will be confirmed ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2027 Draw. The World Rugby Rankings will inform team seedings for the tournament draw.
All matches will be played at Mandela National Stadium and broadcast live by official partner NBS Sport (https://nbssport.co.ug), while also streamed globally on RugbyPass TV and the Rugby Africa Facebook page. Tickets are available to local fans through MTN MoMo platforms (https://www.mtn.co.ug/momo), the official payments partner, with both general admission and VIP options currently on sale. Supporters across Uganda and the region are encouraged to book early and be part of this historic milestone in African rugby.
President of Uganda Rugby Union, Godwin Kayangwe added:
“Hosting the Rugby Africa Cup especially the 2025 Edition that is also Africa’s Final Qualification for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia is immense for us as a country. The added hosting of the Webb Ellis Cup is an extraordinary honour for Uganda. It’s a powerful recognition of how far we’ve come as a rugby nation, and a symbol of the dreams we nurture across our rugby community, all the way from the grassroots to the national team. This visit is inspirational and we hope it will inspire more young Ugandans both boys and girls to pick up a rugby ball and play the game.”
The Webb Ellis Cup will be displayed under strict protocols set by Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL), with dedicated security and handling measures in place throughout its stay. Its presence in Uganda forms part of broader efforts to elevate the game across Africa, encourage youth participation, and build momentum ahead of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
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MATCH DAY 1: TUESDAY 08 JULY 2025 (LOCAL TIME) (EAT)
- 10:00 – Zimbabwe vs Morocco
- 12:00 – Algeria vs Côte d’Ivoire
- 14:00 – Namibia vs Senegal
- 16:00 – Kenya vs Uganda
MATCH DAY 2: SUNDAY 13 JULY 2025 (LOCAL TIME) (EAT)
- 10:00 – Loser Match 2 vs Loser Match
- 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 (LOCAL TIME) (EAT)
- 10:00 – Loser Match 5 vs Loser Match 6 (7th Place Final)
- 12:00 – Winner Match 5 vs Winner Match 6 (5th Place Final)
- 14:00 – Loser Match 7 vs Loser Match 8 (3rd Place Final)
- 16:00 – Winner Match 7 vs Winner Match 8 (Final)
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor
nicole.vervelde@rugbyafrique.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women’s rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 40 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
About Uganda Rugby Union (URU):
Uganda Rugby Union (URU) is the official governing body of rugby in Uganda. Established in 1955 and joining WR in 1997, URU is affiliated with Rugby Africa and World Rugby, and is responsible for developing, promoting, and managing rugby across the country. Through partnerships, grassroots programs, and competitive platforms, URU works to foster talent, inspire communities, and elevate Uganda’s status in international rugby.
