The Arab Rugby Sevens Championship 2025 took place from February 14-15 at the historic Alexandria Stadium in Egypt, marking a significant milestone for rugby in both the Arab world and Africa, according to Rugby Africa President, Herbert Mensah.
This year’s tournament, the 10th edition for men and the 5th for women, featured 12 men’s teams and 7 women’s teams from across the Arab region, showcasing the sport’s growing prominence.
Herbert Mensah, who attended the event, highlighted the tournament’s importance for African rugby, with teams from Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia competing alongside Egypt, which recently achieved full membership in World Rugby.
The tournament was officially sanctioned by World Rugby, with Rugby Africa serving as the recognised governing body.
Mensah emphasised that the two-day event in Alexandria provided valuable competition time for African teams, featuring both seasoned players and emerging talent.
A historic moment was recorded as the Saudi Arabian women’s team participated without wearing hijabs, reflecting the sport’s progress towards inclusivity.
The Tunisian women’s team emerged victorious, displaying superior skill and dominance, while the United Arab Emirates clinched the men’s title, with Morocco delivering commendable performances.
Herbert Mensah highlighted Egypt’s substantial infrastructure and its ambition to host future Olympic Games, positioning the country as a potential hub for international sporting events.
The tournament’s successful organisation, in line with World Rugby standards, showcased Egypt’s capability to host major competitions, with comprehensive medical protocols and logistical management ensuring a smooth event.
Looking ahead, Mensah advocated for quarterly rugby tournaments in Egypt, fostering regional cooperation among nations such as Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, and Libya.
This initiative aims to enhance the quality of rugby, provide more competitive opportunities, and establish Egypt as a central hub for the sport in the region.
Herbert Mensah concluded that the Arab Rugby Sevens Championship 2025 was not just a celebration of athletic excellence, but also a testament to the unifying power of sport, bridging cultural divides and promoting inclusivity across the Arab world and Africa.
