Madagascar’s Rugby Sevens Team Secures Top-Four Finish in Continental Championship
Source: Original Article
Strong Tournament Performance Highlights Madagascar’s Growing Rugby Presence
The Madagascar women’s national rugby sevens team, known as the Ladies Makis, delivered an impressive performance at the 2025 Africa Women’s Sevens tournament in Nairobi, finishing fourth among twelve competing nations. While falling short of the podium, the team demonstrated significant progress in the competitive landscape of African women’s rugby.
Dominant Start and Quarter-Final Success
Under the leadership of coach Mamy Randriamaro, the Malagasy squad opened their campaign with commanding victories over Egypt (31-5) and Tunisia (21-14), securing top position in Group D. The team’s momentum continued into the quarter-finals, where they defeated Zambia 17-7 through tries from Yvanah and Valérie, complemented by what observers described as “unyielding defense.”
Semifinal Challenge Against Continental Giants
The tournament’s turning point came in the semifinal against South Africa, the eventual champions and established powerhouse of African women’s rugby. The Malagasy team suffered a 0-29 defeat against what analysts consider the continent’s benchmark program. South Africa would go on to claim the championship with a 22-0 victory over hosts Kenya in the final.
Bronze Medal Match and Tournament Assessment
In the battle for third place, Madagascar faced Uganda in a hard-fought contest that ultimately ended 12-38 in favor of the Ugandan side. Despite the loss, the Ladies Makis concluded the tournament with three victories against two defeats—a record that solidifies their position among Africa’s elite women’s rugby nations.
Strategic Implications for Malagasy Rugby
The fourth-place finish represents more than just tournament standings for Madagascar rugby. The performance signals the country’s growing competitiveness in a sport increasingly dominated by traditional African powerhouses like South Africa and Kenya. Analysts note that consistent top-four finishes in continental competitions are crucial for securing future funding, international exposure, and development opportunities.
While the team fell short of automatic qualification for larger international tournaments, their showing against established rugby nations demonstrates the effectiveness of Madagascar’s player development programs and the increasing professionalization of women’s rugby across the continent.
Looking Forward: Pathways to Progress
The Ladies Makis’ performance in Nairobi provides a foundation for future growth. The close matches against Tunisia and Zambia, combined with the experience gained against top-tier opposition, offers valuable lessons for the program’s continued development. Rugby experts suggest that narrowing the gap against teams like Uganda represents the next logical step in Madagascar’s rugby evolution.
As women’s rugby continues to expand across Africa, Madagascar’s consistent presence in the latter stages of continental competitions positions them as an emerging force with potential to challenge the established hierarchy in coming years.
The team returns home with the pride of having confirmed Madagascar’s standing among Africa’s top women’s rugby nations, while establishing a platform for future success on the international stage.