Women’s Rugby Manager Maha ...

Women’s Rugby Manager Maha Zaoui Appointed as New General Manager of Rugby Africa, the Governing Body of Rugby in Africa

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Women’s Rugby Manager Maha Zaoui Appointed as New General Manager of Rugby Africa, the Governing Body of Rugby in Africa

With over two decades of leadership in African sports management, Maha Zaoui will lead Rugby Africa through its next phase of growth and development.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Maha Zaoui has been appointed as the new General Manager of Rugby Africa (www.rugbyafrique.com), the continental governing body of rugby in Africa. Known for her passion for women’s rugby development and governance across the African continent, Zaoui will take office in June 2025, with a term of three years.

With over two decades of leadership in African sports management, a PhD in the Science and Technics of Physical and Sports Activities and a proven track record of driving transformative programs, Maha Zaoui will lead Rugby Africa through its next phase of growth and development.

 

Previously serving as Rugby Africa’s Women’s Rugby Manager, Zaoui has been a key figure in advancing the sport across the continent, particularly in the area of gender equality. Her leadership in initiatives such as the Rugby Africa – Sports Management Training Program (RA-SMTP), developed in collaboration with MEMOS (OS-IOC) and LUNEX University, has empowered African women sports leaders with essential management skills, strengthening rugby’s foundation for sustainable growth.

 

“I am honored to take on the role of General Manager of Rugby Africa. My vision for Rugby Africa is one of inclusivity, excellence, and sustainability, working alongside our unions, partners, and stakeholders to achieve this vision. As General Manager of Rugby Africa, I will continue to foster partnerships, strengthen financial and operational foundations and deliver programs that build skills, foster community and inspire excellence in rugby across the continent,” said Maha Zaoui, Newly Appointed General Manager of Rugby Africa.

 

Prior to Rugby Africa, Zaoui served as Advisor to the Tunisian Minister of Youth and Sport, Assistant Professor at the Higher Institute of Sports and Physical Education (ISSEP)-Kef , and Executive Board Member of the Tunisian Olympic Committee. Zaoui has also represented African sports on the global stage as Deputy Chef de Mission for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Chef de Mission at the African Games, and Mediterranean Games, gaining invaluable experience in strategic planning, sports diplomacy and partnership-building.

 

“Rugby Africa has an ethos to grow the game. As we strive to grow the game based on a strategic plan, Maha is the person to move us in that direction. Our focus on growth through youth and gender is fundamental, and Maha’s expertise with strong views align with Rugby Africa’s vision. While we continue to look internally at our own resources and battle externally for assistance through partnerships, Maha has played a key role in Rugby Africa’s partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD) and French Rugby Federation (FFR), in a manner that aligns perfectly with Rugby Africa’s long-term vision,” said Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa.

 

Under Zaoui’s appointment, Rugby Africa will continue its mission of innovating, inspiring, and engaging new audiences to grow rugby for all in Africa, aligning with Rugby Africa’s strategic plan to become a global leader in rugby development.

 

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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.