2024 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Tournament
The 2024 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Tournament took place on November 9th and 10th at the Ghana rugby stadium in Accra Ghana with twelve countries participating.
South Africa’s Dominance
South Africa demonstrated their dominance throughout the tournament, not conceding a try in their matches against Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, and Tunisia. In the final, they secured a 19-10 victory over Kenya, retaining their title and cementing their status as the best in Africa.
The Springbok Women achieved decisive victories: 38-0 against Burkina Faso, 36-0 against Zimbabwe, and 40-0 against Tunisia. Statistically, the Springboks were the favorites, thanks to their exceptional performance in various global tournaments this year. They participated in the HSBC SVNS series, gaining valuable experience from top-ranked teams like Australia (5th), Canada (2nd), and Japan (11th).
South Africa’s women’s rugby team is the only African team in the top twenty, currently ranked 12th. At the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, they secured 11th place by defeating Fiji in the playoff match. The team is building great momentum, and their dominance is expected to extend beyond the continent in the coming years.
Other Countries Performance
Kenya had a strong performance in the tournament, but ultimately fell short to South Africa, securing the silver medal. Uganda started with an electrifying 48-0 victory over Ivory Coast and maintained a solid record throughout the tournament. However, they lost to Kenya in the semifinals and had to face Madagascar, whom they defeated to secure the bronze medal.
The other teams played ranking matches, with Madagascar finishing in 4th place, followed by Tunisia, Zambia, Ghana, Senegal, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso. The top three countries automatically earned spots in the 2025 Challenger Series.
Rugby Challenger Series
The Challenger Series is a prestigious tournament held in select cities, featuring the world’s top 12 women’s and men’s rugby teams. It serves as a pathway to the HSBC SVNS, which represents the pinnacle of excellence in the sport, showcasing highly competitive matches with world-class players. The women’s standings for the Challenger Series, yet to be confirmed, include teams from China, Argentina, Belgium, Poland, Kenya, Uganda, Thailand, Czechia, Hong Kong, Paraguay, Papua New Guinea, and Mexico.
This tournament’s diversity highlights significant efforts towards the global growth of women’s rugby. The 2024 HSBC SVNS took place in Dubai, Uruguay, Poland, and Germany.
Significance of South African Women’s Rugby Dominance
South African women’s rugby dominance is significant for several reasons:
1. Representation Inspiration and: Their success serves as an inspiration to young girls and women across Africa, showing that they can excel in sports traditionally dominated by men. It provides role models and encourages greater female participation in rugby and other sports.
2. Development of the Sport: Dominance by a team like South Africa helps to raise the overall standard of women’s rugby on the continent. Competing against a strong team pushes other nations to improve their own programs, leading to better coaching, facilities, and player development.
3. International Recognition: Consistent performance on the international stage brings recognition and respect to South African women’s rugby. This can lead to more opportunities for the team to compete in global tournaments, attract sponsorships, and gain media attention.
4. Economic Impact: Success in sports can have a positive economic impact, from increased tourism to job creation within the sports industry. It can also lead to more investment in sports infrastructure and youth development programs.
5. Cultural Impact: Rugby is a significant part of South African culture, and the success of the women’s team helps to promote gender equality and challenge stereotypes. It shows that women can achieve the same levels of success and recognition as their male counterparts.
Overall, the dominance of South African women’s rugby is not just about winning games; it is about the broader impact on society, the sport, and the next generation of athletes.
