Peace Lekuru has declared her arrival at York Valkyrie as a mission to showcase Uganda’s rugby league talent on the world stage.
Speaking after her signing with the English club, the Lekuru made it clear that this move is about more than just personal ambition.
“I now embrace rugby league and am here to show that Uganda has great players and people who can add value to this sport,” Lekuru said.
“I promise to do my best and show the rugby league family that they are indeed special. Call it Peace on a rugby league mission.”
A dual-code player and former captain of Uganda’s women’s rugby sevens union side, Lekuru is looking to break new ground in league and open doors for other African players.
Her signing has been warmly welcomed by York Valkyrie head coach Lindsay Anfield, who has followed Lekuru’s journey from grassroots to international stage.
“Amazingly, I met Peace when she was a Tag Rugby Trust graduate,” Anfield said.
“She later coached other kids while developing her own playing career. She led Entebbe Baleen to victory in the URL finals in 2023 and stood out. Now we’re excited to see her in a Valkyrie shirt this season.”
Anfield hopes Lekuru’s move will inspire more clubs to explore African talent. “My hope is Peace can be the first of many,” she said. “That she can compete well at this level and that more doors open for these amazing girls.”
Fortunate Irankunda, founder of the Whales Academy where Lekuru trained, described the move as “life-changing.”
“Sending Peace Lekuru to York Valkyrie has been an overwhelming opportunity for all players in Uganda,” Irankunda said.
“Her journey is a light for every young girl back home who now dares to dream. It’s proof that with hard work, resilience, and support, anything is possible.”
She added, “Peace comes from a humble background and her journey is an open door for other rugby league players. Thank you to coach Lindsay and the Valks club for believing with us.”
