The Rugby Africa Women’s Division One tournament kicked off with a bang as Uganda and Zimbabwe secured impressive wins on the opening day at Stade Auguste Denise in Côte d’Ivoire. In the first match, Uganda faced off against Tunisia in a thrilling encounter. Despite being pre-tournament favorites, Uganda had to work hard to overcome a determined Tunisian side, eventually emerging victorious with a scoreline of 27-10. The Lady Cranes showcased their sevens rugby skills, taking a comfortable lead of 20-5 at halftime. However, Tunisia showed great resilience and matched Uganda’s intensity throughout the game, with handling errors proving costly for the North Africans.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe made a strong statement in their return to fifteens rugby after a two-year hiatus. The Lady Sables initially struggled to find their rhythm in the first half and went into halftime level at 8-8 against the Ivorian team. However, they came out firing in the second half, showcasing their attacking prowess and dominating the game. The Lady Sables’ forwards provided a solid platform for their backs, leading to a convincing 46-8 victory.
All four teams will be back in action on Tuesday, April 15 for the second round of the round-robin competition. The tournament winner will earn promotion to the elite Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in June, where powerhouse teams like South Africa, Kenya, and Madagascar await.
The 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Division One Tournament is organized by Rugby Africa in partnership with the Cote d’Ivoire Rugby Federation. The tournament features host nation Côte d’Ivoire, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, showcasing the growing talent and competitiveness of women’s rugby in Africa.
Match Day 1 results:
– Uganda 27 vs Tunisia 10
– Zimbabwe 46 vs Cote d’Ivoire 8
Match Day 2 fixtures:
– Zimbabwe vs Tunisia
– Uganda vs Côte d’Ivoire
Match Day 3 fixtures:
– Tunisia vs Côte d’Ivoire
– Zimbabwe vs Uganda
Stay tuned for more exciting rugby action as these teams battle it out for a spot in the elite Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.
