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, Sevens tournaments and the U20 Barthés Trophy. To date, Rugby Africa counts 40 members, among many 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
African nations have made their mark on the global stage, with South Africa leading the way as four-time Men’s Rugby World Cup champions, having lifted the trophy in 1995, 2007, 2019 and 2023.
South Africa has competed in every edition of the tournament since its inaugural staging in 1987. Namibia has represented Africa at seven consecutive editions, from 1999 to 2023, while Zimbabwe featured in the first two tournaments, in 1987 and 1991. Côte d’Ivoire made its sole appearance in 1995.
Zimbabwe will return to the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027, having qualified by winning the Rugby Africa Cup 2025. Alongside South Africa, Zimbabwe will represent Africa at the tournament in Australia, marking a new chapter for African rugby on the world stage.
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.
