South Africa Women's Sevens still the best in Africa

WRAP: South Africa Women's Sevens have beaten Kenya 19-10 in a thrilling final to retain their Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens title and conclude a stellar tournament.

The South Africans, being stretched for the first time in the competition, had fallen behind to an early try after Kenya’s Stellah Wafula became the first player in the competition to score against the red-hot South Africa Sevens.

The exciting Ayanda Malinga then finished off in the corner after a scrum position across the field to get South Africa level.

In the second half, Sharon Auma restored Kenya’s lead with a blistering try but South Africa were back in after Felicia Jacobs’ superb support running had her finishing off Zihtle Mhpupa’s line break for a converted try.

With the score 12-10 in favour of South Africa, the pumped up Kenyans poured forward and threatened to snatch it in the end. But South Africa’s defence remained resolute until Jacobs again scored at the death after another solo run from the big Mphupa.

Both South Africa and Kenya had qualified for the 2025 Challenger Series, with Uganda taking the third remaining place after a 17-5 third-place playoff win over Madagascar.

The 2024 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens tournament organized by Rugby Africa, the continental governing body of Rugby across Africa, in partnership with the Government of Ghana, the 2024 tournament brings together 12 national women’s teams at full strength, featuring nations such 2023 reigning champions South Africa, Kenya, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Ghana, Mauritius, Uganda, Zambia, Senegal and Cote d’ Ivoire.

Pool A: South Africa, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso

Pool B: Kenya, Madagascar, Ghana, Mauritius

Pool C: Uganda, Zambia, Senegal, Côte D’Ivoire