Ghana will make history as the first West African nation to host the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Tournament, scheduled for 9-10 November 2024 in Accra.
it comes six months after hosting the African Games in which Rugby marked its debut with the Sevens.
The prestigious continental competition, announced by Ghana’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, will serve as a qualifier for the 2025 Challenger Series, bringing together twelve national teams including defending champions South Africa.
“This milestone reflects the growing stature of rugby in Ghana and across West Africa, particularly in promoting women’s sports,” the ministry said in a statement.
The tournament will feature prominent teams such as Kenya, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Ghana, Mauritius, Uganda, Zambia, Senegal, and Cote d’Ivoire. Matches will be played in the fast-paced sevens format, with teams of seven players competing in 14-minute matches.
The competition will take place at the University of Ghana’s Rugby Stadium, the first purpose-built rugby facility in West Africa. The venue, which was completed for the 2023 African Games, showcases the region’s commitment to sports development.
The top three teams from the tournament will qualify for the 2025 Challenger Series, a global rugby sevens qualifier. The event will be open to the public with free admission, allowing both local and international spectators to witness the competition.
The tournament represents a significant step in Ghana’s sporting ambitions under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government, which has prioritised sports infrastructure development and gender equality in athletics.
