Uganda’s Lady Cranes Crowned Africa Women’s Sevens Champions and Qualify for World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3
Uganda’s Lady Cranes have been crowned champions of the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens after delivering a commanding 33-0 victory over Tunisia in the final at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sunday, November 8.
The historic triumph marks Uganda’s first-ever continental title in the competition and secures their qualification for the World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3 tournament, scheduled to take place in Dubai in December.
The Lady Cranes capped an impressive campaign with a dominant performance against Tunisia, maintaining their defensive discipline and attacking intensity to complete a memorable tournament without conceding a point in the final.
Uganda made an early statement through Lydia Namabiro, who crossed for the opening try, with Tina Akello adding the conversion to give her side a 7-0 advantage.
Namabiro doubled Uganda’s lead with her second try, extending the score to 14-0 despite the team playing with a player in the sin bin.
Susan Adong added another try after the break as Uganda continued to dictate proceedings. Despite receiving another yellow card, the East African side remained composed, with Namabiro completing her hat-trick before Gertrude Kateesa added another try after returning from the sin bin to seal the emphatic victory.
Uganda’s defensive strength was a major feature of their campaign, having conceded tries in only two matches throughout the tournament.
Their route to the championship included a dramatic 19-14 semi-final victory over hosts Kenya, a result that set up the final showdown against Tunisia, who had defeated Zimbabwe 22-10 in the other semi-final.
Kenya’s Lionesses finished third after securing a 27-7 victory over Zimbabwe in the bronze medal match.
Sheila Chajira, Nelly Chikombe and Sinaida Mokaya scored first-half tries for Kenya, while Zimbabwe responded through Chiwoniso Mabika. Catherine Elizabeth and Stellah Wafula added further tries after the break to complete the victory.
Zambia claimed fifth place after defeating South Africa 17-12, recording their second victory over the South Africans during the tournament.
Meanwhile, Ghana finished ninth following an impressive 41-0 victory over Burkina Faso in their final classification match.
The Lady Cranes’ historic achievement represents a significant milestone for Ugandan women’s rugby, as they now turn their attention to Dubai, where they will compete in SVNS 3 with the opportunity to continue their progress on the international stage.
2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens – Final Standings
Uganda – Champions 🏆
Tunisia – Runners-up
Kenya – Third place
Zimbabwe – Fourth place
Zambia – Fifth place
South Africa – Sixth place
Madagascar – Seventh place
Mauritius – Eighth place
Ghana – Ninth place
Burkina Faso – Tenth place
Rwanda – Eleventh place