Rugby Africa is one of the six regional associations of World Rugby and assembles the African nations that practice 15s and 7s rugby. Today, Rugby Africa organises the Men’s and Women’s Rugby Africa Cup and Sevens tournaments and the U20 Barthés Trophy. To date, Rugby Africa has 39 members, among whom 24 are full or associate members of World Rugby.

Uganda was privileged to host the 16th Rugby Africa Annual General Meeting in Kampala during the duration of the  Rugby Africa Cup 2024 games. The AGM was held at Speke Resort, Munyonyo.

As reiterated by the President of Uganda Rugby Union, Godwin Kayangwe, hosting the Rugby Africa Cup 2024 was not merely an event on the Nation’s calendar but also evidence of the growth and passion of rugby within Uganda and across the continent.

This tournament symbolises the unity and strength of African rugby, bringing together nations with diverse cultures and a common goal – to celebrate the spirit of rugby. It is especially significant as it is the first time the tournament is hosted in Africa’s East and Southern regions, with Uganda being the proud host.

(L-R) The Uganda Rugby Union President, Godwin Kayangwe; Rugby Africa President, Herbert Mensah; Rugby Africa Member, Eudia Koussihouede; Clare Barrell, World Rugby Director of International Relations, Investment, and member Services; Abdennaceur Bougja, the Vice President of Rugby Africa and Rolande Boro, President of the Burkina Faso Rugby Union, cut a cake at the end of the 16th Rugby Africa AGM held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala, Uganda on 27th July 2024.

Abdennaceur Bougja, the Vice President of Rugby Africa, and other delegates during the AGM at Speke Resort Munyonyo, in Kampala, Uganda.

In the leadup to the RAC 2024 Championship finals, the Rugby Africa Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Executive Committee (EXCO) Meeting were held in Kampala on 27th July 2024. The meeting ended successfully, with several items discussed, including a request for Uganda to host the upcoming 1B Women’s 7s tournament in November 2024.

(L-R) Paulina Lanco, Rugby Africa executive and women’s rugby advisory committee chairperson; Losson Mtongwiza, the Zimbabwe Rugby Union President; Clare Barrell, World Rugby Director of International Relations, Investment, and member Services; and Coralie van den Berg, Regional Partnerships Manager for Africa at World Rugby, pose for a photo moment at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, after Zimbabwe was crowned the RAC 2024 Champions.

The President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah, and Coralie van den Berg, Regional Partnerships Manager for Africa at World Rugby, at the 17th Rugby Africa AGM held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Kampala, Uganda.

Rugby Africa EXCOM, Committee Members, Federation, Union, and World Rugby delegates at the 16th Rugby Africa Annual General Meeting at Speke Resort Munyonyo, in Kampala, Uganda

Several member delegates were present for the Annual General Meeting, but those who couldn’t attend it were available for the meeting online.

Uganda is set to host the 2025 Men’s Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala, where the winner will automatically qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.