Road to 2027 Rugby World Cup begins in Uganda with Africa Cup clash

Rugby Africa has unveiled the full match schedule for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, set for July 8–19 in Uganda, with the tournament winner earning a direct ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Rugby Africa has released the full fixture list and match schedule for the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, which is set to run from July 8 to July 19 at the iconic Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda.
This year’s edition carries added significance, serving as the official African qualification route to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with the tournament winner earning a direct slot at the global showpiece.
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The action kicks off on Tuesday, July 8, with defending champions Zimbabwe Sables opening the quarter final stage against Morocco at 10:00 a.m. Algeria, last year’s runners-up, will then take on Côte d’Ivoire at midday, before former continental giants Namibia clash with Senegal in the third match of the day.
The curtain will fall on the opening round with a fiery East African derby between Kenya Simbas and the hosts Uganda Rugby Cranes at 4:00 p.m.
Victorious teams from the quarterfinals will advance to the semifinals scheduled for Sunday, July 13, with games starting from 2:00 p.m. and culminating at 4:00 p.m. The teams that fall in the opening round will also be in action earlier that day, contesting placement matches to determine their ranking.
The tournament will reach its climax on Saturday, July 19, with a full day of classification games, beginning with the 7th place playoff at 10:00 a.m. and ending with the final at 4:00 p.m.
The champion crowned in Kampala will not only lift the continental trophy but also punch their ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup, representing Africa on the global stage.
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