Latest news with #RugbyAfrica
CNA
17-07-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Big dreams and tight budgets are Rugby Africa's dilemma
CAPE TOWN :Namibia and Zimbabwe contest the final of the Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala on Saturday, where the winner will earn a place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia and represent a continent with big ambitions in the game but scarce resources to fulfil them. Namibia have appeared at every World Cup since 1999, while Zimbabwe contested the first two in 1987 and 1991, but have not been back since. They beat Namibia 32-10 last year, suggesting their chances are good. Namibia's success at reaching the global showpiece event is largely down to their exposure to the South African rugby ecosystem that is among the best in the world, helping to polish the country's rough diamonds. There is no shortage of passion for the game across Africa, from Morocco and Algeria in the north, Senegal and Ivory Coast in the west, to Kenya and Uganda in the east. Madagascar sees crowds of up to 30,000 supporters at domestic fixtures, sometimes more than football, which still reigns supreme as the number one sport on the continent. But taking this enthusiasm and turning it into developing teams that can be competitive on a global scale beyond South Africa's Springboks is a huge challenge. "People often ask, 'Why does only Namibia qualify for the World Cup?'," Rugby Africa president Herbert Mensah said in an interview with Reuters. "The truth is that sport is big business. Countries like England receive over 150 million pounds ($201 million) annually to fund their national rugby programs. "In contrast, the entire continent of Africa, excluding South Africa, receives about $2 million. That disparity limits what we can do. "We have over 40 Rugby Africa member nations. Air travel alone, say, from Dakar to Madagascar, can cost upwards of 2,000 dollars (per person). Development isn't just about passion, it's about resources. "We need funding to sustain age-grade competitions, develop women's rugby, and run grassroots programs continent-wide. Right now, that infrastructure is still lacking." But it is not all doom and gloom. Mensah, who is a member of World Rugby's Executive Board, says African governments are starting to see the value in investing in the game beyond the millions of dollars they generally put into football annually. "We've seen massive buy-in recently," he said. "Uganda's government committed over 3 billion shillings ($838,457) to host the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup. Morocco, Ghana and Ivory Coast have all supported events financially. "Morocco allocates more than 1 per cent of its GDP to grassroots sport, including rugby. There's real momentum. "This shows we're not solely reliant on World Rugby. The more governments invest, the more attractive we become to sponsors. It's a multi-step strategy, first governments, then sponsors. That's how we scale the game." ($1 = 0.7465 pounds)
The Star
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Rugby-Big dreams and tight budgets are Rugby Africa's dilemma
CAPE TOWN (Reuters) -Namibia and Zimbabwe contest the final of the Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala on Saturday, where the winner will earn a place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia and represent a continent with big ambitions in the game but scarce resources to fulfil them. Namibia have appeared at every World Cup since 1999, while Zimbabwe contested the first two in 1987 and 1991, but have not been back since. They beat Namibia 32-10 last year, suggesting their chances are good. Namibia's success at reaching the global showpiece event is largely down to their exposure to the South African rugby ecosystem that is among the best in the world, helping to polish the country's rough diamonds. There is no shortage of passion for the game across Africa, from Morocco and Algeria in the north, Senegal and Ivory Coast in the west, to Kenya and Uganda in the east. Madagascar sees crowds of up to 30,000 supporters at domestic fixtures, sometimes more than football, which still reigns supreme as the number one sport on the continent. But taking this enthusiasm and turning it into developing teams that can be competitive on a global scale beyond South Africa's Springboks is a huge challenge. "People often ask, 'Why does only Namibia qualify for the World Cup?'," Rugby Africa president Herbert Mensah said in an interview with Reuters. "The truth is that sport is big business. Countries like England receive over 150 million pounds ($201 million) annually to fund their national rugby programs. "In contrast, the entire continent of Africa, excluding South Africa, receives about $2 million. That disparity limits what we can do. "We have over 40 Rugby Africa member nations. Air travel alone, say, from Dakar to Madagascar, can cost upwards of 2,000 dollars (per person). Development isn't just about passion, it's about resources. "We need funding to sustain age-grade competitions, develop women's rugby, and run grassroots programs continent-wide. Right now, that infrastructure is still lacking." But it is not all doom and gloom. Mensah, who is a member of World Rugby's Executive Board, says African governments are starting to see the value in investing in the game beyond the millions of dollars they generally put into football annually. "We've seen massive buy-in recently," he said. "Uganda's government committed over 3 billion shillings ($838,457) to host the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup. Morocco, Ghana and Ivory Coast have all supported events financially. "Morocco allocates more than 1% of its GDP to grassroots sport, including rugby. There's real momentum. "This shows we're not solely reliant on World Rugby. The more governments invest, the more attractive we become to sponsors. It's a multi-step strategy, first governments, then sponsors. That's how we scale the game." ($1 = 0.7465 pounds) ($1 = 3,578.0000 Ugandan shillings) (Reporting by Nick SaidEditing by Toby Davis)
Reuters
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Big dreams and tight budgets are Rugby Africa's dilemma
CAPE TOWN, July 17 (Reuters) - Namibia and Zimbabwe contest the final of the Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala on Saturday, where the winner will earn a place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia and represent a continent with big ambitions in the game but scarce resources to fulfil them. Namibia have appeared at every World Cup since 1999, while Zimbabwe contested the first two in 1987 and 1991, but have not been back since. They beat Namibia 32-10 last year, suggesting their chances are good. Namibia's success at reaching the global showpiece event is largely down to their exposure to the South African rugby ecosystem that is among the best in the world, helping to polish the country's rough diamonds. There is no shortage of passion for the game across Africa, from Morocco and Algeria in the north, Senegal and Ivory Coast in the west, to Kenya and Uganda in the east. Madagascar sees crowds of up to 30,000 supporters at domestic fixtures, sometimes more than football, which still reigns supreme as the number one sport on the continent. But taking this enthusiasm and turning it into developing teams that can be competitive on a global scale beyond South Africa's Springboks is a huge challenge. "People often ask, 'Why does only Namibia qualify for the World Cup?'," Rugby Africa president Herbert Mensah said in an interview with Reuters. "The truth is that sport is big business. Countries like England receive over 150 million pounds ($201 million) annually to fund their national rugby programs. "In contrast, the entire continent of Africa, excluding South Africa, receives about $2 million. That disparity limits what we can do. "We have over 40 Rugby Africa member nations. Air travel alone, say, from Dakar to Madagascar, can cost upwards of 2,000 dollars (per person). Development isn't just about passion, it's about resources. "We need funding to sustain age-grade competitions, develop women's rugby, and run grassroots programs continent-wide. Right now, that infrastructure is still lacking." But it is not all doom and gloom. Mensah, who is a member of World Rugby's Executive Board, says African governments are starting to see the value in investing in the game beyond the millions of dollars they generally put into football annually. "We've seen massive buy-in recently," he said. "Uganda's government committed over 3 billion shillings ($838,457) to host the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup. Morocco, Ghana and Ivory Coast have all supported events financially. "Morocco allocates more than 1% of its GDP to grassroots sport, including rugby. There's real momentum. "This shows we're not solely reliant on World Rugby. The more governments invest, the more attractive we become to sponsors. It's a multi-step strategy, first governments, then sponsors. That's how we scale the game." ($1 = 0.7465 pounds) ($1 = 3,578.0000 Ugandan shillings)
IOL News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Springbok Women survive late rally from Kenya to maintain unbeaten run at Rugby Africa Cup
Aphiwe Ngwevu Springbok Women centre Aphiwe Ngwevu scores the opening try against Kenya on Wednesday. Photo: Rugby Africa Image: Rugby Africa The Springbok Women's poor ball retention almost came back to bite them as they survived a late onslaught to hold off the Kenya Lionesses 19-12 in their Rugby Africa Women's Cup clash at the Stade Makis in Antananarivo, Madagascar on Wednesday. The South Africans – who thrashed Uganda 62-7 in their tournament opener – were dominant in the opening 40 minutes, but could only muster 12 points from two tries and a conversion. The Bok Women, who are using the tournament as preparation for the World Cup in September, got stuck into the Kenyans from the start. The forwards, with the likes of tighthead prop Nombuyekezo Mdliki, captain and lock Anathi Qolo and hooker Luchell Hanekom prominent, made serious inroads on attack with their strong carries, and they were backed up by backs such as wing Patience Mokone and fullback Byrhandré Dolf. But the Bok Women battled to finish off a number of attacking moves, with their handling letting them down as they either lost possession or conceded breakdown turnover or penalty at crucial times inside the Kenyan 22. That trend continued in the second half, and despite enjoying a healthy advantage in the scrums and playing with great physicality, SA were met with courageous defence by the determined Kenyans. The Bok Women started off well enough, with powerful centre Aphiwe Ngwevu charging over from close range after a clever inside pass from flyhalf Mary Zulu. But the South Africans had to wait until the 35th minute to add to their tally, when red-haired wing Mokone's dazzling run was finished off by flank Lerato Makua. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The defending champions never looked in any danger of losing the game despite their frustrating time on attack, and replacement loose forward Nobuhle Mjwara's touchdown with less than 15 minutes to go seemed to seal the victory. But Kenya never gave up, and two late tries led to a thrilling finish. Wing Freshia Awino got the East Africans on the scoreboard with good pace down the left flank, and a few minutes later, replacement prop Noleen Khaleyi dived over after a stunning counter-attack from inside their own half. Suddenly it was 19-12 with five minutes to go, and the South Africans looked like they had lost their grip on the encounter. But the Bok Women managed to close out the game without any further drama. Assistant coaches Bafana Nhleko and Franzel September – who are managing the team in this event in the absence of head coach Swys de Bruin – will hope to see the players be much more decisive with ball-in-hand in their third match against hosts Madagascar on Sunday (2pm SA time start) in what is sure to be in front of a partisan home crowd. Points-Scorers Springbok Women 19 – Tries: Aphiwe Ngwevu, Lerato Makua, Nobuhle Mjwara. Conversions: Mary Zulu (2). Kenya Lionesses 12 – Tries: Freshia Awino, Noleen Khaleyi. Conversion: Sinaida Nyachio (1).
The Citizen
06-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Three Springbok Women debutants to start in Rugby Africa opener
Anathi Qolo becomes the 11th Springbok Women's captain in history, while they have three debuts in their match 15 for their Rugby Africa opener. Anathi Qolo becomes the 11th Springbok Women captain in history and leads the team in their Rugby Africa opener against Uganda in Madagascar on Saturday. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images Anathi Qolo will captain a Springbok Women side with a combined 174 caps in their 2025 Rugby Africa Women's Cup opener against Uganda at the Stade Makis in Antananarivo, Madagascar on Saturday (kick-off 12pm). Three uncapped players, wing Patience Mokone and No 8 Faith Tshauke, both from the Bulls, and Anushka Groenewald, from Western Province, will be donning the green and gold for the first time. A further five uncapped players have been named on the replacements' bench in props Anuchka Ekron (WP) and Sinothile Bhengu (Sharks), lock Dineo Ndlhovu (Bulls), flanker Nobuhle Mjwara (Sharks) and centre Leigh Fortuin (WP). Fortuin and Mokone represented the Springbok Women's Sevens team earlier in the season, while all of the uncapped players, apart from Mjwara, also played for the Junior Springbok Women earlier in their careers. Sharks Women loose forward Mjwara was part of the Springbok Women WXV 2 training squad last year and attended recent alignment camps. In a serious show of intent, South Africa will start with five backs who represented the country at the previous Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, while Nomawethu Mabenge, who scored the team's first try of the tournament against France in their opener match in 2022, will come off the bench. For good measure, Mabenge was also the leading try scorer in the Madagascar tournament in 2023. 11th captain Qolo will become the 11th player to captain the Springbok Women in 21 years of international rugby and said she was happy with the preparations going into the first match. 'The squad have been progressing and focusing on the main job, which is to retain the trophy. Our set peace has been our main focus and if we add that to our skill set in the backs, we will deliver a good performance,' said Qolo. Springbok Women assistant coach Franzel September agreed with his captain and said they are expecting a physical battle and some direct rugby. 'What we saw in our analysis is that they are not scared to run with the ball, so there is an element of variety in their play, and they love doing quick taps from penalties. We prepared well and will be ready for everything they are going to throw at us,' explained September. 'We know what we want to do and how to do it, and we pride ourselves in our set-piece to secure go forward ball and that will not change just because we have some new players in the squad.' 'Some players will be desperate to impress with Rugby World Cup selection on the horizon, but we will look at how players compliment and strengthen the system, rather than them doing individual things.' Springbok women's XV Byrhandrѐ Dolf, Simamkele Namba, Chuma Qawe, Aphiwe Ngwevu, Patience Mokone, Mary Zulu, Unam Tose, Faith Tshauke, Lerato Makua, Anushka Groenewald, Anathi Qolo, Nomsa Mokwai, Nombuyekezo Mdliki, Luchell Hanekom, Xoliswa Khuzwayo Bench: Roseline Botes, Anuchka Ekron, Sinothile Bhengu, Dineo Ndlhovu, Nobuhle Mjwara, Felicia Jacobs, Leigh Fortuin, Nomawethu Mabenge
