The stage is set for the Rugby Africa Men’s 7s 2023 tournament, which will take place from September 16 to 17 at the Harare Sports Club in Harare, Zimbabwe

The competition will see twelve teams battling it out for a chance to qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Kenya 7s relegation

Both Kenya and South Africa failed to secure direct tickets to the Paris Olympics after finishing outside the top four in the recently concluded season.

Kenya 7s, who had a tough season and were relegated, will be participating in their first competition since facing relegation.

The Pools for the Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens 2023 have been drawn, and some thrilling matches are expected as teams vie for a spot in the prestigious Olympic Games.

Pool A consists of rugby powerhouse South Africa, along with Madagascar, Tunisia, and Cote d’Ivoire.

Pool B features Kenya, Zambia, Namibia, and Nigeria, making it a group to watch closely.

Kenya 7s neighbours Uganda in Pool C

Pool C will see Uganda, the current holder of the Rugby Africa Men’s Sevens Cup, competing against Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, and Algeria.

The stakes are high as the winner of the tournament will secure a direct ticket to the 2024 Olympics in Paris, while the second and third-placed teams will qualify for the 2024 Final Olympic Qualification Tournament.

Additionally, the top two teams from the tournament will earn a spot in the 2024 Challenger Series.

Rugby at the Olympic Games has a rich history, with rugby union making appearances in various formats over the years.

Since the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, the sevens format has been favored, providing thrilling and fast-paced matches that captivate audiences worldwide.

In the 2021 Olympics, New Zealand claimed gold in the women’s competition, while Fiji emerged victorious in the men’s category.