Asia Rugby Leaders Arrive in Uganda for Rugby World Cup 2027 Asia/Africa Playoff

Global Rugby Elite Convene in Kampala In a milestone moment for African rugby, Uganda is welcoming a distinguished delegation of Asia Rugby leaders ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2027 Asia/Africa Playoff. The high-profile fixture, set for Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Mandela National Stadium (Namboole), will see Namibia take on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with a ticket to the all-important Final Qualification Tournament at stake.

The arrival of influential rugby executives underscores Uganda’s rising profile as a trusted host for top-tier sporting events. The Asia Rugby delegation includes:

Mr. Benjamin van Rooyen: CEO of Asia Rugby, recognized for spearheading development initiatives across the continent and overseeing pivotal projects that have significantly grown rugby participation, especially at the grassroots and women’s levels.

Mr. Qais Al Dhalai: President of Asia Rugby and the Arab Rugby Federation, and a distinguished World Rugby Council Member. He is known for fostering international collaboration and championing innovation in rugby governance and regional development.

Madam Fawzia: Vice President and Head of Women’s Rugby, UAE Rugby, renowned for advancing gender equity and empowerment in the sport across the Middle East.

The Playoff: High Stakes, Global Repercussions The Asia/Africa Playoff represents a crucial step in the route to Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia. Namibia, who finished as runners-up in the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, faces the UAE, Asia’s second-placed team. The winner will progress to the World Rugby Repechage Tournament in November 2025, to contest one of the final places for the expanded 24-team World Cup.

What’s at Stake Winner Takes a Step Forward: The victor secures a place in the four-team round-robin Final Qualification Tournament, the “Repechage”, whose sole winner will book the last World Cup berth.

Zimbabwe’s Direct Qualification: Zimbabwe, champions of the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, have already qualified directly for Australia.

Significance of Hosting in Uganda Uganda’s selection as the playoff venue highlights the nation’s growing influence in international rugby. This event provides Uganda an opportunity to showcase its capacity to host and organize major sporting events, and strengthens ties between African and Asian rugby communities. The increased collaboration elevates Uganda’s status on the world stage and is a testament to the efforts of the Uganda Rugby Union and governmental partners.

Voices of Leadership Herbert Mensah (Rugby Africa President): Praised Uganda’s role, stating that hosting such a prestigious event offers local stakeholders invaluable exposure and is evidence of their growing sports infrastructure.

Qais Al Dhalai and Benjamin van Rooyen: Their presence signifies a commitment to unity and progress among global rugby stakeholders, reinforcing pathways for future joint initiatives and investments in developing regions.

Madam Fawzia: Her participation highlights the prioritization of women’s rugby and gender inclusion at top levels within both the continent and the wider rugby family.

The Road Ahead The July 26 playoff match at Mandela National Stadium promises electric action, with both Namibia and UAE knowing that advancing means staying in the hunt for Rugby World Cup dreams. Regional fans, dignitaries, and the global rugby community are set to watch Uganda deliver on its promise as a premier international sports host.

As the teams finalize preparations and Asia Rugby leaders continue their engagements in Kampala, the eyes of the rugby world remain firmly fixed on Namboole—where history, opportunity, and international partnership converge.