As the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup commences this Saturday, July 20, in Kampala, Uganda, Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah has expressed his gratitude and excitement for the tournament, which runs until July 28.
Mensah emphasized the significance of the Rugby Africa Cup as the pinnacle of Rugby Africa’s activities and a crucial precursor to the 2025 Rugby World Cup qualification.
This year’s tournament will see the top eight ranked teams, including Namibia, Kenya, Algeria, Zimbabwe, and host nation Uganda, competing to determine future rankings and qualifications. Additionally, Cote d’Ivoire, a former Rugby World Cup participant, along with rising nations such as Burkina Faso and Senegal, are set to participate.
Mensah, who took office in 2023, is particularly excited about the new competition format. He highlighted the successful participation of South Africa, the four-time Rugby World Cup champions, in the 2024 Africa Mens Sevens Tournament in June.
The inclusion of development squads due to scheduling conflicts, such as Kenya’s Women’s Team in the Challenger Series, also points to a promising future for African rugby.
The President acknowledged the need for financial sustainability within Rugby Africa. He noted the importance of aligning with global sports practices to reduce financial pressures, especially given the rise in airline and accommodation costs post-COVID-19.
Mensah expressed gratitude to Uganda’s Minister of Sports, Peter Ogwang, and the President of the Uganda Rugby Union, Godwin Kayangwe, for their exceptional commitment to hosting the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup.
In addition to the tournament, Mensah praised the increase in cross-border rugby tournaments in Southern Africa, with countries like Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana, and Mozambique participating.
He also noted plans for East Africa involving Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania, and the inclusion of North African countries like Morocco in the Arab Sevens Cup.
