Rugby Africa throwing weight behind women’s sevens Olympic qualification campaign

By ANA Sports Last updated Apr 30, 2021

Rugby Africa backs women’s Sevens Olympic prep

Rugby Africa has launched the Africa As One campaign in preparation for the Sevens tournament at the Tokyo Olympics. Picture credit: Rugby Africa

JOHANNESBURG, April 30 (ANA) – Rugby Africa on Thursday launched a campaign to support African teams competing in the women’s Sevens competition at the Tokyo Olympics in July.

Currently, only Kenya has qualified in the Olympic Games in the women’s category. However, Tunisia and Madagascar still stand a chance at the Olympic Repechage. The Olympic Repechage is due to take place in Monaco on June 19 and 20.

Through the leadership of Rugby Africa, African teams will be coming together to prepare the qualified teams for the Olympic Games and Olympic Repechage, with friendly tournaments and shared preparation camps.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, opportunities to play have been limited and it has proven difficult for some teams to travel outside Africa.

Societe Generale Pierre Caillaud head of Sports Sponsorship said: “We are happy to emphasise our support for the development of Women’s Rugby on the continent, through our participation as a sponsor for the Women’s Sevens Solidarity Camp.

“Societe Generale and rugby have a long history, over 30 years of commitment based on shared values: team-spirit and respect. Ever since, the partnership has continued to grow stronger and build initiatives at all levels, from grassroots to professionals, both locally and internationally.”

According to Paula Lanco, president of the Women’s Rugby Advisory Committee, the year’s camp started on Thursday and will end on May 9. It will be hosted at La Maison du Rugby in the capital of Tunis, in Tunisia. – African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman