Accra, Ghana (March 2023) – The stage is set for an historic moment in African sports as rugby 7s makes its debut at the African Games being hosted in Accra, Ghana.
Nine nations will vie for medals in the men’s and women’s rugby 7s competitions over the next three days starting Tuesday at the University of Ghana rugby stadium.
The men’s tournament features teams from host Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, and Tunisia. The women’s event has Ghana, Uganda, Tunisia and Madagascar represented.
In the 24 hours leading up to kick-off, Rugby Africa held vital technical and medical briefing sessions on Monday to ensure teams are prepared. A special captains’ photo shoot also took place to build excitement for rugby’s first appearance at the multi-sport African Games.
The men’s tournament kicks off Tuesday with Kenya taking on Benin in the opening match, followed by Uganda vs Burkina Faso. Zimbabwe will then play Tunisia to round out the first round of matches.
Host nation Ghana makes their first appearance later in the day against Benin. Zimbabwe battles Burkina Faso after that, before Uganda closes out day one by facing Tunisia.
The short rugby 7s format, with seven players per side instead of the traditional 15, is known for its fast pace and scoring. Its inclusion at the African Games marks another step towards potential future Olympic participation.
Fans in Accra are eagerly anticipating the first matches on Tuesday as the continent’s best rugby 7s players take the field aiming for African Games medal glory in the sport’s debut.
Rugby officials hope a strong inaugural showing will make the case for rugby 7s to become a permanent event at future African Games.
