African rugby must find new and reliable ways to finance tournaments instead of depending on a handful of countries to carry the cost of hosting major competitions, Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah has said.
Mensah said governments, rugby federations and businesses across the continent need to work together to create funding models that can support tournaments and help grow the sport. His remarks came after Uganda hosted the 2026 Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy from August 7 to 15, with Kenya winning a record fourth title after beating Namibia 33-14 in the final.
The Rugby Africa president praised Uganda for taking on the responsibility of hosting major competitions in recent years, saying its commitment had helped raise the profile of the sport while giving African players more chances to compete at home.
“This is the third year in succession that Uganda has hosted a major African tournament in the fuller version of the game, the men’s Fifteens. They’ve shouldered a huge chunk of the financial and logistical burden of it all,” he said.
Uganda hosted the Rugby Africa Cup in 2024 and 2025 at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala before taking charge of the U20 Barthes Trophy this year.
Mensah, however, said Uganda should not be left to carry most of the responsibility for hosting continental tournaments.
“Quite clearly, it cannot be just Uganda (hosting). And it is not, thankfully, others are coming through to help! But Africa cannot host enough tournaments with a budget of 650,000 Pounds per year.”
He said the limited funding available affects key areas of tournament organisation, including transport, accommodation, match officials, venues and other logistical needs.
Mensah said increased investment would give African rugby the support needed to develop its players and make better use of the continent's sporting talent.
“With the right investment, Africa is the market that the world needs,” he said.
He called for a wider funding approach involving national governments, private companies and rugby federations, saying each group has a role to play in building stronger competitions.
Mensah cited Mali as an example of how government support can help develop rugby. He recalled travelling to Bamako for the 2026 UFOAR Zone B Tournament, which he said was funded by the Malian government.
“A few months ago, I shared a piece here in which I was invited to Bamako. It was the 2026 UFOAR Zone B Tournament, a competition paid for by the Malian Government,” he said.
He said Mali's approach showed how governments can help establish stronger rugby systems, particularly in countries where the sport is still developing.
“Those that read my piece some weeks back will remember how the Malian Government helped build a rugby model for emerging African rugby nations,” he said.
Mensah also named Morocco, Tunisia and Ghana among countries looking to take up more hosting opportunities, a move he said could help spread the responsibility of staging regional and continental competitions.
“Just look at the likes of Morocco, Tunisia and Ghana; they have been sniffing out opportunities. Regional events are going to be held in these kinds of places.”
Uganda will remain involved in hosting international rugby, with the country set to stage the World Rugby SVNS3 2026–2027 Africa Qualifiers in September.
“In September, they will host the World Rugby SVNS3 2026–2027 Africa Qualifiers,” Mensah highlighted.
Beyond the financial side, Mensah said Uganda's approach also provided an example of how rugby can reach more people. He said the sport should be opened up to people across different age groups, genders and social backgrounds.
“In fact, the Ugandans believe in greater participation of rugby by all: gender, age, social background.”
He urged more rugby federations to take the lead in finding sponsors and putting in place clear plans to finance competitions rather than depending heavily on outside assistance.
“More federations have to attract partnerships and step forward with funding plans,” he said.
Mensah said stronger investment in tournaments would also help create clear opportunities for young players to develop and move to higher levels of competition.
He maintained that Africa has a deep pool of sporting talent but needs to put the right support systems in place to help players reach their potential.
“Africa clearly has the best athletes on the planet. But we need to help ourselves and I can go to bed satisfied that the likes of Uganda and many others are showing us the way.”