As the 2025 African runners-up, the Makis rugby sevens team will approach the 2026 Africa Men’s Cup with great ambitions: to maintain their position among the elite African nations.
The Madagascar national rugby sevens team will have to wait a little longer to return to the continental stage. Initially scheduled for June 20-21 at the SPARC sports complex in Cascavelle, Mauritius, the Africa Men’s Sevens has been postponed by Rugby Africa and the Mauritius Rugby Federation following health recommendations regarding risks linked to the Ebola outbreak in certain regions of the continent. According to the official Kawowo Sports page, the tournament will now take place on October 3 and 4, still in Cascavelle, Mauritius.
However, this schedule change does not alter the Makis’ ambitions. As African vice-champions, the Makis continue their preparation without interruption.
“Madagascar is always ready, as our players have never stopped training. Whatever the date proposed, we are ready,” says Antsoniandro Randrianorosoa, Technical Director of Malagasy Rugby.
On paper, the Makis have strong arguments to pass the first round. Uganda, a team accustomed to top-tier African competition, remains the most formidable opponent in the group.
Facing Ghana and Tunisia, the Malagasy team can rely on their experience and consistency gained in recent editions. Twelve teams will compete for the continental title. Madagascar is in Pool B alongside Uganda, Ghana, and Tunisia. Given the evolving health situation, Uganda—initially excluded due to Ebola concerns—hopes to participate following the tournament’s postponement.
Recent performances fuel the Malagasy ambition. In 2025, the Makis achieved the best result in their history by reaching the final of the Africa Men’s Cup. Defeated only by South Africa, they finished ahead of African powerhouses like Zimbabwe and Kenya to secure a historic silver medal—their best performance since the competition’s inception in 2000.
The 2026 edition will mark Madagascar’s 17th participation in the African Championship. From a ninth-place finish in their debut in 2000, Madagascar has steadily become a reliable force in African rugby sevens. While South Africa and Kenya remain the favorites, the Makis have established themselves as credible outsiders. A new podium finish would confirm their rise and potentially open doors to the Seven Series, a crucial step in the international development of Malagasy rugby.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-11 06:13:18 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/rugby-vii-africa-mens-cup-les-makis.html