The University of Johannesburg (UJ) proudly hosted the 7th edition of the Imbokodo Rugby Sevens Tournament on August 9 and 10, 2025, in celebration of Women’s Day. This year’s tournament featured an impressive lineup of 38 teams competing across four categories, including six schools and eight rugby clubs.

Lesego Malebadi, head of women’s rugby at UJ, expressed the university’s commitment to showcasing women’s rugby and the talent present at all age levels. “UJ values this tournament because it highlights the growth of women’s rugby. A few years ago, we did not have U14 or U16 teams participating, but now we want to demonstrate that the sport has expanded,” Malebadi stated.

She emphasised the importance of grassroots development, noting that the tournament now includes U14, U16, U18, and senior teams. “When we started this event, we only had seniors playing, but now we have all age groups across all fields participating. This growth means a lot to us at UJ,” she added.

Malebadi also reflected on the tournament’s longevity, revealing that it began with just four participating teams. “The whole idea behind this tournament is to celebrate women in rugby because we felt that we were not celebrated enough. There was talent, but we were not out there. Now, with 38 teams participating, it shows significant growth in the sport,” she explained.

She highlighted the increasing support for women in sports and rugby, noting that the involvement of sponsors has contributed to the tournament’s success. “The longevity of this event is exciting, and we are thrilled to host the largest tournament we have ever had,” Malebadi concluded.

The Imbokodo Rugby Sevens Tournament not only celebrates women’s achievements in sports but also serves as a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and passion for rugby.

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