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The Vodacom United Rugby Championship Race to the Eight will reach a thrilling conclusion this weekend with five teams fighting it out for the three remaining places in the Play-Offs. All eyes are firmly on the Vodacom URC Play-Offs, where the league’s best sides will contest the ultimate prize: to be crowned 2025 champions. Leinster, …
Scotland Women U20 Head Coach Louise Dalgliesh has today announced an extended training squad as preparations begin for the upcoming Six Nations Women’s Summer Series. The selected group of 35 players will assemble for a comprehensive series of residential and non-residential training camps in the lead-up to the competition. The series will provide a crucial …
Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt says making the Vodacom URC Play-Offs would be the icing on the cake of a much improved season. The visitors take on the fifth-placed DHL Stormers in Cape Town tonight at 6:00 pm knowing that, realistically, they have to win to secure a top eight finish. It’s not inconceivable that a …
Anathi Qolo will lead the Springbok Women to Madagascar, where they will defend their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title next month against Uganda, Kenya and Madagascar. The three Tests will all be played at Stade Makis in Antananarivo, on 7, 11 and 15 June respectively. Qolo, a product of the Border Youth Training Centre, played …
Scottish-qualified utility back Charlie Savala has become the second new addition to the Glasgow Warriors squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, after the 25-year-old agreed to make the switch to Scotstoun from English champions Northampton Saints. Comfortable across the back-line, Savala will move to Scotstoun following the conclusion of his contract this summer, having scored …
Edinburgh Rugby welcome the return of Harry Paterson and James Lang for tonight’s BKT United Rugby Championship regular season finale against Ulster at Hive Stadium (Friday 16 May, kick-off 7.35pm) – live on Premier Sports. Paterson (concussion) is cleared to play having progressed through the graduated return to play protocol – the recently re-signed Scotland …
DHL Stormers v Cardiff Rugby DHL Stadium, Cape Town – KO 18.00 IRE & UK / 19.00 ITA / 19.00 SA Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR, 41st league game) AR 1: AJ Jacobs (SARU) AR 2: Hanru van Rooyen (SARU) TMO: Andrea Piardi (FIR) Live on: SuperSport, BBC Wales, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv DHL …
Mr Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, congratulated the three South African match officials who were included on the panels for the Rugby World Cup in England later this year. Aimee Barrett-Theron is on the panel for referees for the four-yearly global spectacle, which runs from 22 August to 27 September at eight venues across …
South Africa’s three Vodacom United Rugby Championship quarter-finalists, the Vodacom Bulls, Hollywoodbets Sharks, and DHL Stormers, will have their sights set on building winning momentum with an eye on the playoffs as the curtain drops on the pool stages this weekend, while the Emirates Lions will look to wrap up their campaign on a high …
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus on Thursday named a group of 54 local and overseas-based players to attend the team’s second alignment camps, with Juarno Augusts, Vincent Tshituka, and Ntokozo Makhaza invited to their first national alignment camps. The camps will take place in person in Cape Town for local players, and virtually for players based …
Callum Sheedy reveals he has recaptured his love for rugby through coming home to Cardiff. The Welsh international fly-half headed for the Arms Park last summer after spending a decade with Bristol Bears. He says he has thoroughly enjoyed his time back in the city where he was born, grew up and started playing the …
The South African rugby community was shocked and saddened to hear the news of the passing of Cornal Hendricks. Mr Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, paid tribute to the former dual-international who wore the green and gold with distinction. The 37-year-old Hendricks passed away due to heart attack on Wednesday evening. Apart from playing …
APO Group (https://APO-opa.com) is proud to announce that Rania El Rafie, Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, has been appointed to the Jury Panel for the 2025/2026 editions of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards, an initiative recognising groundbreaking contributions and leadership by women across the African sports ecosystem.
Organised by Africa Sports Ventures Group (ASVG) and the Women Sports Africa Network (WSAN), the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards honour outstanding female leaders, athletes, executives, and changemakers who are reshaping the African sports landscape. The esteemed Jury Panel features professionals from across the continent and the diaspora, including Albert Kyei Frimpong, President of WBSC Africa and Board Member of the Confederation of African Olympic Sports Associations (CASOL), and Dr. Maha Zaoui, an experienced sports management expert currently serving as General Manager of Rugby Africa.
“I'm honoured to be considered for the Jury Panel of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards for 2025 and 2026,” said El Rafie. “This platform plays a vital role in amplifying the voices and achievements of women shaping the future of African sport, and I'm proud to contribute to that mission.”
El Rafie is a seasoned public relations executive with over 22 years of experience across Africa and the Middle East. Based in Cairo, Egypt, she currently serves as Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at APO Group, where she became the first and youngest person internally promoted to this executive role in January 2024. She has led award-winning campaigns recognised by SABRE Awards, Brands Review Magazine, and World Business Outlook, and was recently awarded a Bronze Stevie® Award in the Most Innovative Woman of the Year 2025 category, and was recognised as one of Africa's Top 50 Outstanding Women in Communications.
Her experience in sports communication spans the NFL, Basketball Africa League, International Olympic Committee (IOC), and FIFA. She has also driven pan-African communications strategy for major brands such as Canon, Nestlé, TikTok, and Afreximbank. With a degree in Business Administration from the American University in Dubai, Rania brings strategic insight, media expertise, and a passion for sports and empowerment to the jury's mission.
The announcement coincides with the official launch of the Awards' new digital platform – (https://apo-opa.co/3SxXj9A) – a hub dedicated to honouring and celebrating the achievements of African women in sports. The site will serve as the central point for information, nominations, and public engagement in the lead-up to the 2025 Awards ceremony, scheduled to take place on 31 July 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. All nominations will be reviewed by an independent Selection Committee.
This joint initiative marks a landmark moment for African women in sports, aiming to increase visibility, recognition, and opportunities across administration, business, media, technology, and athletics.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group.
About APO Group:
Founded in 2007, APO Group (https://APO-opa.com) is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally.
Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards.
APO Group's esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa's Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.
The DHL Stormers have booked their spot in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship quarter-finals alongside the Vodacom Bulls and Hollywoodbets Sharks after a good penultimate weekend of league action for the three South African teams. Unfortunately for the Emirates Lions, their hopes of sneaking into the top eight through the back door were dashed completely …
Andy Farrell has unveiled his squad for the British & Irish Lions’ summer tour of Australia, featuring a number of standout players from the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup—many of whom will compete in the 2025 Finals in just two weeks. This season’s EPCR competitions have offered the perfect platform for stars to …
This year’s tournament will once again bring together six of the most dynamic and passionate rugby nations: Canada, Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Tonga, and the USA, battling it out for glory and direct qualification for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia, with defending PNC champions Fiji, set to defend their title with a home opener …
South Africa’s four Vodacom United Rugby Championship teams are preparing for a Welsh invasion and will have everything to play for this weekend as the cross-hemisphere spectacle reaches the penultimate pool round. While the Vodacom Bulls have secured their spot in the top four already, all eyes will be on the Hollywoodbets Sharks, who are …
The Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund announced on Wednesday the appointment of Annie Dobson as its new CEO, taking over from Mark Kritzinger, who has stepped down after three years due to family commitments. Dobson, who will start in the role on 1 July 2025, is a seasoned leader in the non-profit sector, bringing …
Edinburgh Rugby today confirmed the exciting double signing of Edinburgh born winger Malelili Satala and Scottish qualified winger Finlay Doyle, further strengthening their back-three options ahead of the new season. Highly rated speedster Satala, 20, joins the club on a two-year deal from Gallagher Premiership side Leicester Tigers. Meanwhile, Scotland U20 international Doyle, 20, joins …
The Springbok Women’s Sevens’ inability to remain composed in pressure moments proved to be their biggest drawback in a season where they claimed two tournament titles and scored some impressive wins. That is the view of the team’s head coach Renfred Dazel after they arrived back in South Africa on Tuesday evening following a two …
Edinburgh Rugby is delighted to announce the retention of nine highly promising young Scottish players, reinforcing the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and building a squad connected to the city and region. The club has agreed new deals with a blend of players stepping up to senior contracts and those continuing their development within …
Glasgow Warriors have continued their preparations for the 2025/26 campaign by retaining the services of one of Scotland’s top loose-forward prospects, after Euan Ferrie extended his contract with his boyhood club. The East Kilbride RFC product – equally comfortable in the second-row and the back-row – has consistently impressed since making his professional debut in …
Josh McNally is quick to acknowledge the big part the RAF played in his career taking off. It was only when he joined the services that he took up the sport and it was through the support of his employers that he was able to forge a career as a professional player. He went on …
It’s been some season for Ben Connor. In October, he became the youngest ever referee to take charge of a Vodacom URC match – aged just 21. He went on to be the man in the middle for the finals of two prestigious World Series Sevens events in Cape Town and Hong Kong. Then, last …