The 2026 international season ends on a positive note for the men’s senior rugby sevens team. The Makis finished as runners-up in the Africa Men’s Seven Series in Mauritius, strengthening their ambitions in the race to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
During the two days of competition in Mauritius (October 3 and 4), the Makis had a remarkable run, securing five consecutive victories before falling to Kenya in the final. The Makis lost with a narrow score of 12-15.
For Antsoniandro Randrianorosoa, National Technical Director (DTN) of Malagasy Rugby, this defeat came down to details. “A final is decided by small details. We had our chance, but our players lost two balls that could have changed the course of the final,” he analyzed. This observation highlights both the closeness between the two teams and the missed opportunities for Madagascar.
In addition to this momentary lapse, a key player, Laou, was injured, and his absence on the field was felt. In a discipline where rhythm, bench depth, and the ability to sustain effort are decisive, the loss of a major player can quickly shift the balance of a match.
With this runner-up finish, Madagascar confirms its potential and maintains its ambitions on the continental stage. The goal is now to prepare for the next phase of the international circuit, with the qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in sight.
As the 2026 international calendar is now over for Madagascar, players and staff will have to wait until next year to return to international competitions. This period will be an opportunity to learn from the past season and strengthen areas that still need improvement. For Antsoniandro Randrianorosoa, the priority is clearly identified: strengthening the defense. “For the future, Madagascar must work more on defense because, in attack, there is nothing to complain about,” the DTN believes.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-07 06:09:22 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/rugby-vii-les-makis-restent-dans-la.html