The Lady Rugby Cranes have kicked off preparations for the Rugby Africa Women’s Division 1 tournament, with a provisional squad of 40 players summoned to camp.
The squad, announced by the Uganda Rugby Union (URU), includes several players from the national 7s program, strategically integrated to strengthen the XV-a-side team.
To ensure continuity and stability, URU has appointed the Lady Cranes 7s management team to oversee the XV-a-side preparations.
Charles Onen has been named Head Coach, while Dorcus Mundua retains her role as Team Manager. Training sessions officially begin today Wednesday at Kyadondo Rugby Club, marking the start of the team’s journey towards the continental tournament.
Uganda will compete against hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Tunisia, and Zimbabwe in the tournament, set to take place from April 9 to April 19, 2025, in Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire.
A top finish in the competition will secure Uganda’s promotion to the Rugby Africa Women’s Performance Division, an essential step toward World Cup qualification.
The integration of 7s players into the XVs squad is expected to add speed, agility, and experience to the team, with many of these athletes having competed in high-intensity tournaments.
The Lady Cranes coaching staff will be looking to balance these strengths with the tactical and endurance demands of the XV-a-side format.
Lady Cranes XVs Technical Team:
Team Manager: Dorcus Mundua, Assistant Team Manager: Winnie Atyang, Head Coach: Charles Onen, Assistant Coach: Ben Kigongo, Strength & Conditioning Coach: Byron Okuba, Physiotherapists: Natasha Natasya, Nelson Mayeku
Provisional Squad:
Anek Patricia (Thunderbirds), Asaba Beth (Ewes), Kokoi Christine (Black Pearls), Namatovu Yvone (Black Pearis), Nakalembe Pheibe (Buddu Cuppaz), Sijali Doreen (Avengers), Mirembe Peace (Black Pearls), Namukwaya Fazira (Avengers), Najjuma Yvone (Thunderbirds), Nantongo Phionah (Ewes), Acen Leona (Black Pearls), Mukyala Proscovia (Thunderbirds), Munduru Mercy (Avengers), Adongpiny Mercy (Ewes), Agenorwoth Colins (Kitgum Queens), Ainebyona Juliet (Ewes), Kirabo Cabrine (Avengers), Namabiiro Lydia (Black Pearls), Adong Suzan (Black Pearls), Nansimbi Rosemary (Thunderbirds), Nanyonjo Angella (Thunderbirds), Nakafeero Sarah (Thunderbirds), Ayikoru Samiya (Thunderbirds), Nambozo Mastula (Mbale Eagles), Akello Tina (Nile Rapids), Bushira Namutebi (Black Pearts), Namalembe Habiba (She Wolves), Lekuru Peace (Avengers), Nabagala Grace (Kisubi Lady Pacers), Tiko Latifah (Panthers), Angayika Comfort (Thunderbirds), Atek Mercy (Ewes), Lekuru Emilly (Black Pearls), Akello Christine (Avengers), Auma Grace (Black Pearls), Nakuya Agnes (Thunderbirds), Mufuwa Racheal (Black Pearls), Namulala Unity (Nile Rapids), Ayaa Flavia (Thunderbirds), Nandudu Janet (Thunderbirds)
