TUNIS, Tunisia — Rugby Africa will commemorate its 40th anniversary from May 14–16, 2026, with a series of events in Tunis, the city where the organisation was founded in January 1986.
Held in collaboration with the Tunisia Rugby Federation, the celebrations will bring together rugby leaders and international stakeholders to reflect on four decades of development and Africa’s growing influence within the global game.
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The milestone comes amid significant growth in Africa’s sports industry, which is projected by PwC to reach approximately $12 billion by 2027. Within this broader expansion, Rugby Africa’s trajectory reflects the steady transformation of sport across the continent.
Established in 1986 as the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) by six founding unions—Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco and Senegal—the body has expanded to represent 40 member nations. Renamed Rugby Africa in 2014, it continues to play a central role in the governance, development and promotion of rugby across Africa.
Compared to longer-established continental sports organisations such as the Confederation of African Football (CAF), founded in 1957, and FIBA Africa, established in 1961, Rugby Africa remains relatively young. However, it has rapidly strengthened its institutional presence and influence within international rugby.
To mark the anniversary, Rugby Africa will host a gala dinner alongside a programme of commemorative activities aimed at celebrating its evolution into a recognised continental institution. The event will also reaffirm key priorities, including governance, gender equity, safeguarding and long-term sustainability.
The celebrations are expected to attract representatives from all 40 member unions, as well as key figures from across the global rugby community. Among those confirmed are Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah, Vice President Nasser Bougja, and General Manager Maha Zaoui.
Senior officials from World Rugby are also expected, including Vice Chair Jonathan Webb, Chief of International Relations David Carrigy, and Regional Partnerships Manager for Africa Coralie Van Den Berg.
Other notable attendees include Abdelatif Benazzi, President of the Six Nations Council and Vice President of the French Rugby Federation; Mustapha Berraf, President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA); Ahmed Nasser, President of the Association of African Sports Confederations (AASC/UCSA); and former Rugby Africa President Abdelaziz Bougja.
Running alongside the anniversary programme is the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Division One tournament, which will culminate in the final on May 16. The competition, featuring host nation Tunisia, Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire, will serve as a qualifier for the 2027 Women’s Rugby Africa Cup and underscores Rugby Africa’s commitment to advancing women’s rugby on the continent.
In a congratulatory message, World Rugby praised Rugby Africa’s role in driving the sport’s growth over the past four decades.
“On behalf of World Rugby, I would like to congratulate Rugby Africa on 40 remarkable years of championing, advancing and nurturing the game across the region,” the statement read.
“Over four decades, Rugby Africa has been a powerful force for growth, unity and opportunity, helping to unlock the immense potential of African rugby both on and off the field.”
