Zambia sevens returns for the Safari 7s after missing three editions

The Zambia 7s rugby team will make a return to the annual Safari 7s tournament, scheduled for 10–12 October 2025 at Nyayo Stadium.

The Zambians last featured in the competition in 2019 and have skipped the 2021, 2023, and 2024 editions.

The 2020 event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the 2022 tournament failed to take off due to lack of sponsors.

Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) confirmed the southern Africans’ participation in the 2025 edition via their social media pages on Monday, 22 August 2025.

“Confirmed! Zambia Rugby will be participating in the #2025Safari7s men’s category,” KRU announced on their X, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

With 16 days to go, Zambia’s inclusion adds to a growing list of teams for the men’s competition, including Kenya’s Shujaa and Morans, KCB Rugby, Shogun Rugby, and French Renegades.

In the women’s category, Kenya Lionesses 1 and 2 and Tunisia are among the expected participants.

Uganda’s Lady Cranes, who were bronze medalists last season, have not yet confirmed their participation, alongside their men’s side, the Cranes.

Shujaa secured their third consecutive Safari 7s title with a hard-fought 12-0 win over Shogun Rugby at Machakos Stadium in 2024.

The result saw Kenya complete a treble, having won the 2021 and 2023 editions. This was Shujaa’s first treble since 2008–2010.

The 2025 Safari 7s returns to Nyayo National Stadium for the first time since 2021. For the second year running, the annual event takes place away from the home of rugby, the RFUEA Grounds, after the 2024 edition was staged at Machakos Stadium.

This will be the fourth time the 35,000-seater Nyayo National Stadium hosts the event, having previously staged the 2010, 2011, and 2012 editions.

Costa Blanca Ladies, who are the reigning champions, have not confirmed their participation. The Spaniards beat Kenya Lionesses 24-10 in the final to clinch the 2024 title in Machakos.

Kenya Sevens head coach Kevin “Bling” Wambua has named a provisional squad of 48 players who entered camp at the RFUEA Grounds on Monday, 22 September 2025.