The Kenya Lionesses line up before a match. (File photo: Mozzartsport)

The Kenya Lionesses carry home hopes into the Rugby Africa Women's Sevens Championship this weekend, Saturday 7 to Sunday 8 November at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, with the continent's only ticket to the World Rugby SVNS Division 3 on the line.

Eleven teams will compete, according to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports. One listing put the field at 12 nations, with the 12th team unconfirmed.

Hosts Kenya are drawn in Pool B alongside Tunisia, Ghana and Egypt. Defending champions South Africa headline Pool A with Zambia, Zimbabwe and Rwanda, while Pool C brings together Uganda, Madagascar, Mauritius and Burkina Faso.

The 13th edition of the continental competition coincides with Rugby Africa's 40th anniversary. Kenya is hosting the sevens championship for the second time at RFUEA, having staged the women's 15s edition there in May, where the Lionesses finished runners-up after losing the final 35-20 to South Africa.

The Lionesses come in as Safari Sevens champions after beating Uganda in the final, and head coach Simon Odongo has named a 12-player squad for the home tournament.

The weekend also rides on the glow of the Rising Lionesses, who won gold at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games after beating Australia 17-12 in extra time — making Kenya the first African nation to win rugby sevens gold at the Olympics or Youth Olympics.

Tickets are available through tikohub.com. Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has urged Kenyans to turn out in large numbers at RFUEA and give the Lionesses the backing they deserve.