By Joshua Otieno | April 24, 2026
NAIROBI, KENYA — Kenya has been selected to host the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup (Performance Division), further cementing its growing reputation as a continental hub for international rugby competitions.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from May 21 to May 31, 2026, at the RFUEA Grounds along Ngong Road, and will feature four top national teams from across Africa.
The competition will bring together Kenya’s Lionesses alongside South Africa, Madagascar, and Uganda in a round-robin format, with all matches played at the same venue.
According to the preliminary fixture schedule, the tournament will unfold across three key match days—May 23, May 27, and May 31—offering fans a packed lineup of high-stakes encounters.
Kenya will open its campaign against Uganda on May 23 before facing Madagascar on May 27. The Lionesses will then take on continental giants South Africa in what is expected to be a decisive clash on the final day, May 31.
The event comes on the back of a successful run of women’s rugby tournaments hosted in Nairobi, including the 2026 HSBC SVNS Division Two and the Kenya Rugby Union Women’s 10-aside Festival. These events have played a key role in elevating the profile of women’s rugby in the region.
Organized under the auspices of Rugby Africa, the tournament also coincides with the body’s 40th anniversary, adding historical significance to the competition.
With a strong lineup and growing fan interest, the tournament is expected to showcase elite talent while boosting Kenya’s standing as a preferred destination for major sporting events on the continent.
