The Uganda Women’s Rugby XVs team, commonly known as the Lady Cranes, has been named for the upcoming Rugby Africa Women’s Division 1 tournament, set to take place from April 9th to 20th, 2025, at the San Pedro Denise Stadium in Ivory Coast.
The team, which has been in intensive training for the past three weeks, will compete in a round-robin format against Tunisia, Ivory Coast (hosts), and Zimbabwe, with the final fixtures set to determine the team’s chance to secure a spot in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in May.
The Lady Cranes are aiming to top their pool and earn that coveted spot. Their fixtures are as follows:
- April 11th: Uganda vs Tunisia at 2:00 pm local time / 5:00 pm EAT
- April 15th: Uganda vs Ivory Coast at 4:00 pm local time / 7:00 pm EAT
- April 19th: Uganda vs Zimbabwe at 12:00 pm local time / 3:00 pm EAT
Notably, the Lady Cranes were last in action in November 2023, and the absence of the Elgon Cup in 2024 left them with limited competitive play. However, their return to international rugby is highly anticipated, as they prepare to face off against some of Africa’s toughest teams.
Team Leadership and New Additions
Thunderbirds Rugby Club’s Angela Nanyonjo will captain the squad, with her teammate Anek Patricia serving as assistant captain. The leadership duo will be vital in guiding a squad that includes a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers.
Excitingly, six players who featured in Uganda’s inaugural U20s tour to South Africa in 2024 have earned call-ups to the senior side. One of them, Phiona “Fifi” Nantongo, a 22-year-old hooker, expressed her excitement about joining the senior squad. She is particularly looking forward to facing Tunisia, as a win would avenge the U20 Lady Cranes’ narrow 14-17 loss to them in the October 2024 R10 African Series and a 17-27 defeat to the senior team in a 2023 test match.
The other U20s players making the jump to the senior team include Bushira Namutebi, Peace Nemira, Mukyala Proscovia, and Phoebe Nakalembe.
In addition to these rising stars, the squad also includes over a dozen players from the national women’s 7s team, strengthening the squad with speed and agility. The 13 players from the 7s side are Najjuma Yvonne, Adong Susan, Akello Tina, Samiya Ayikoru, Namabiro Lydia, Lekuru Peace, Nabaggala Grace, Suma Grace, Anganyika Comfort, Nakuya Agnes, Mufuwa Racheal, Nandudu Janati, and Nambozo Mastula.
Preparation and Challenges
Head Coach Charles Onen addressed the press, acknowledging the team’s limited preparation time. With just three weeks to get ready, he noted that it’s far from ideal, especially with the challenging competition posed by teams like Zimbabwe. Nonetheless, the team is eager to compete and build on the momentum of their preparations.
Travel and Squad Details
The Lady Cranes will depart for Ivory Coast on Tuesday morning, April 8th, following a successful flag-off by the Uganda Rugby Union and National Council of Sports in Kampala, despite a rainy Monday morning. The traveling squad is as follows:
- Players:
- Anek Patricia
- Sijali Doreen
- Kokoi Christine
- Nakalembe Phoebe
- Mbabazi Doreen
- Asaba Awebwa Evelyn Beth
- Najjuma Yvonne
- Namukwaya Fazirah
- Nemira Peace
- Cabrine Kirabo
- Mukyala Proscovia
- Acen Leona
- Nanyonjo Angela (Captain)
- Nakafeero Sarah
- Adong Suzan
- Akello Tina
- Nantongo Phiona
- Samiya Ayikoru
- Namabiro Lydia
- Bushira Namutebi
- Lekuru Peace
- Nabaggala Grace
- Suma Grace
- Anganyika Comfort
- Nakuya Agnes
- Mufuwa Racheal
- Nandudu Janati
- Nambozo Mastula
- Officials:
- Team Manager: Dorcas Mundua
- Head Coach: Charles Onen
- Assistant Coach: Kigongo Ssebalamu
- Physiotherapists: Nelson Mayeku & Natasha Nataatsya
