The Senegal under-18 men’s rugby sevens team has arrived in Tunisia for an intensive training camp running from September 22 to October 1, 2026, as part of preparations for the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Dakar 2026. According to the Senegalese Press Agency (APS) and the Senegalese Rugby Federation (FSR), the delegation is using the overseas base to gain crucial international experience and finalize tactical adjustments ahead of the home Games.
Training Camp and International Tournaments in Tunisia
During the ten-day camp in Tunisia, the Senegalese youth squad—affectionately known as the “Lionceaux”—is participating in a series of joint training sessions and a competitive triangular tournament. The fixtures pit the young Senegalese players against the under-18 national selections of Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. The FSR characterized the overseas stint as a vital phase in the team’s development, providing the squad with direct exposure to foreign opposition and a chance to test tactical structures under match conditions.
Rugby Sevens Returns to the Youth Olympic Stage
The upcoming tournament in Dakar marks the return of rugby sevens to the Youth Olympic Games program. The fast-paced Olympic format previously featured at the 2014 Summer Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China, and the 2018 edition in Buenos Aires, Argentina. For the Dakar 2026 Games, the rugby sevens competitions will take place from November 1 to November 3, 2026, at the historic Complexe Iba Mar Diop in the Senegalese capital.
Tournament Format and Group Stage Opponents
The Youth Olympic rugby sevens tournament will feature 16 competing selections split evenly across men’s and women’s competitions. In the men’s tournament, the host nation’s squad has been drawn into Pool A. The Lionceaux will face stiff competition in the group stage, squaring off against Canada, Germany, and South Africa. Meanwhile, Pool B comprises Argentina, France, Japan, and Samoa, setting up a demanding path to the medal rounds.
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