The 2018 Rugby Africa Gold Cup, which doubles as a Rugby World Cup 2019 qualification tournament, will kick off on June 16 and will feature six top teams namely Namibia, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Morocco and Tunisia.
According to a statement from the Rugby Africa Chairman, Abdelaziz Bougja, the competition will be played across seven match days with the action getting under way on 16 June at Hage Geingob Stadium in Windhoek, Namibia with the final played on 18 August.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“Rugby has experienced tremendous growth across Africa in recent years.We are looking forward to witnessing a high quality Rugby Africa Gold Cup as the nations compete for the chance to qualify for the Rugby World Cup 2019 and to lift this fantastic new trophy for the first time.”[/perfectpullquote]
The winner of the competition will not only be crowned African champion but will also secure direct qualification to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan with the second placed team joining teams from Europe, Asia and South America in the Repechage process for the final spot at the Rugby World Cup.
Unlike previous Repechages, the four teams will play in a Round-robin tournament, where all teams will play each other once, rather than a semi-final, final.
Since 2002 the number of African nations playing rugby has risen from six to 38, reflecting the excellent development work that has been undertaken across the region and the appetite for a sport that continues to reach, engage and inspire young people.
Rugby Africa Gold Cup Fixtures
16 June 2018
Zimbabwe v Morocco
Namibia v Uganda
23 June 2018
Namibia v Tunisia
Morocco v Kenya
30 June 2018
Kenya v Zimbabwe
Morocco v Namibia
7 July 2018
Kenya v Uganda
Tunisia v Zimbabwe
4 August 2018
Uganda v Tunisia
Zimbabwe v Namibia
11 August 2018
Uganda v Morocco
Kenya v Tunisia
18 August 2018
Uganda v Zimbabwe
Namibia v Kenya
Tunisia v Morocco
Featured Photo: Kenya 15’s Rugby team which will be one of those participating in the Africa Gold Cup
