Madagascar national rugby union team

Madagascar played their first ever international rugby match in 1970, where they met Italy, losing 9 points to 17. The second of the series of two games was also won by Italy, 6 points to 9. The team got their first international win during 1987 when they defeated Kenya 22 to 16.

During 2001 Madagascar competed for the first time in the Africa qualification tournaments for the 2003 Rugby World Cup to be held in Australia. They started off in Pool B of Round 1, where they contested matches against Botswana and Swaziland. They won both their games and finished at the top of the pool to advance to the next round. In Round 2 they defeated Kenya and Cameroon to secure the top finish and advance to Round 3, which took place in 2002. Madagascar made their exit in Round 3, losing to Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Madagascar attempted to qualify for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France. They started off in Pool 2 of Round 1b of the qualifying tournament, where they were grouped with Kenya and Uganda. After drawing with Kenya, they lost to Uganda and finished third in the standings. They were semi-finalists at the 2006 Africa Cup, and losing finalists in 2005 and 2007.

Madagascar also failed to qualify for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. It is currently involved in the 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifyings. Madagascar was the surprise winner of the 2012 Africa Cup, defeating Namibia 57–54 in an historical final. In 2013 the Makis avoided relegation from the top flight of African rugby and remain in Division 1A of the Africa Cup for 2014, which will serve as the African qualification for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Madagascar wins serendib cup 2013 in Sri Lanka, beating Sri Lanka on a score of 17-12 and dominating Poland on 25–21 score, José Rakoto won the player of the tournament.

Madagascar squad for the 2014 Africa Cup.[2]

Backs Player Position Club Jacky Bayard Scrum-half 3FB Bienvenue Mananja Rasoa Scrum-half IRC José Rakoto (c) Fly-half 3FB Rakotoarivelo Benjaniaina Fly-half TFMA Rija Rakotoarimanana Centre 3FB Sidonie Rakotoarisoa Centre 3FB Randriananbinina Hajanirina Centre 3FB Rakotonirina Alain Wing 3FB Harinirina Jacquot Wing TAM Ralaimidona Hery Wing 3FB Razafindranaivo Bernard Full-back COSFA Rasoanaivo Herizo Full-back 3FB

Forwards Player Position Club Rakotomialoha Donald Hooker COSFA Andrianjaka Christian Hooker United States Rakotoarivelo Hasina Prop 3FB Randriamanantena Rodolphe Prop COSFA Razafindratsimba Anthony Prop 3FB Rabemananjara Jean Willy Prop UASC Tolotra Ramaromiantso Lock 3FB Claudio Ravelonomenjanahary Lock 3FB Rakotonirina Jean de Dieu Flanker UASC Rabearilala Toussaint Boniface Flanker IRC Rakotoson Mampionona Flanker United States Ravelomanantsoa Tiana Flanker TFMA Rakotoarisoa Herizo Number eight 3FB

Team	Mat	Won	Lost	Draw	%	For	Aga	Diff
Botswana	4	4	0	0	100.00	187	68	+119
Cambodia	1	1	0	0	100.00	30	24	+6
Italy	2	0	2	0	0.00	15	26	-11
Ivory Coast	2	2	0	0	100.00	62	35	+27
Kenya	3	2	1	0	66.66	73	60	+13
Morocco	4	1	3	0	33.33	110	190	-80
Namibia	3	1	2	0	33.33	74	221	-147
Nigeria	1	1	0	0	100.00	63	3	+60
Réunion	12	11	1	0	91.66	78	265	-187
South Africa Amateurs	3	2	1	0	66.66	60	79	-19
Swaziland	1	1	0	0	100.00	26	21	+5
Uganda	6	1	5	0	16.66	125	204	-79
Zambia	2	2	1	0	75.00	101	69	+32
Zimbabwe	7	2	5	0	28.57	115	273	-158
Total	52	31	21	0	69.00	1273	1326	-53

[3]

• Rugby union in Madagascar

• Madagascar on IRB.com
• Madagascar International Statistics, Rugbydata