About Rugby Africa
Rugby Africa is one of the six regional associations of World Rugby and assembles the African nations that practice 15s and 7s rugby.
Today, Rugby Africa organizes the Men's and Women's Rugby Africa Cup and Sevens tournaments as well as the U20 Barthés Trophy. To date, Rugby Africa counts 39 members, among whom 24 are full or associate members of World Rugby.
Rugby Africa drives — with its dedicated team and in close collaboration with the unions — the development of rugby through trainings, workshops, mass-participation programs, modern tournament formats and communication.
The map of African rugby unions. Explore the various unions to find out more about each one.
Started in Tunis, 1986
Previously known as the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR), Rugby Africa has existed since 1986, when it was officially launched in Tunis, Tunisia — with the inaugural members Tunisia, Morocco, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Tanzania, Kenya, Seychelles and Madagascar. The first organized competitions were the qualifications for the Rugby World Cups of 1995 and 1999.
Africa at the Rugby World Cup
Several African teams participate in the biggest world competitions. South Africa is a regular participant of the Rugby World Cup, with three World Cup champion titles in 1995, 2007 and 2019 and seven participations — in 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019.
Namibia is the second union to have represented Africa in this competition, with six participations in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019; Zimbabwe participated twice, in 1987 and 1991, and Côte d'Ivoire once, in 1995.
Becoming a member
Any union can ask to become an associated member. Among the criteria to become a Rugby Africa member union are good management, a transparent governance structure and organization, as well as the development of rugby.
After two years and the fulfilment of further criteria, a union can become a full member of Rugby Africa. Once a union has proven to be a full member in good standing for two years, it can present its application to World Rugby for affiliation.
To get more information on the various unions, explore the member unions.
