Thunderbirds last chance to claim back their mantle from Black Panthers

After a period of inactivity, there is women's rugby on display this weekend prior to the Super Cup contest between G4S Pirates and MTN Heathens. In what will be the last game of the season, Black Panthers take on Thunderbirds and hope to end the year with the same form that saw them dominating in the latter part of the year. Thunderbirds on the other hand will attempt to put some pride back into their name and show the class of rugby that at one point kept them at the helm of women's club rugby in East Africa. With seasoned players such as Christine Kizito, Harriet Kayonjo, Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi and Joan Namuyomba within their ranks Thunderbirds have experience on their side. However, the youthful Black Panthers team has in the past shown scant respect for experience and spurred by Brenda Kayiyi and Prossy Nakakande has relied on pace and daring to overcome the Thunderbirds.

Come Saturday, it promises to be the usual bone crunching affair between the two sides.

Black Panthers win Uganda Cup final curtain raiser

With the CAR 7s cancelled and little possibility of any other international competitions, UWRA is keeping the Ugandan women busy with additional domestic fixtures. The women's season has come to an end with Thunderbirds taking the UWRA 7's and UWRA 10's titles while Black Panthers surprisingly took the UWRA 15's title.

Brian Power's, Thunderbirds and Helen Buteme's, Black Panthers locked horns again over the weekend when they curtainraised the men's Uganda Cup final. Thunderbirds had the heavier and pack and regularly turned over the ball at the Black Panthers put in at the scrum. For the first 15 minutes Thunderbirds dominated play using their forwards while the Black Panthers defended ferociously and kept the Thunderbirds out of their 22. A clever turn over in the tackle by Black Panthers centre, Brenda Kayiyi, and the ball shifting out to speedster Emma Oroma who sprinted 40 metres to cross the try line. The conversion was missed but it breathed life into the Black Panthers players who, despite missing several chances to increase their lead, entertained the crowd with their brand of free flowing rugby. The game ended at 5 - 0 to Black Panthers.

Meanwhile, Helen Buteme, starred for Pirates 2 in the men's Uganda cup shield semi final on September 19th. Pirates 2 signed Buteme for the Uganda Cup and started her on the wing against Summerkamp where she played for 70 minutes of the game before being substituted. Buteme was not fielded for the final where Pirates 2 lost 8-6 to Boks.

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CAR 7's possibly cancelled

Word out on the grapevine is that the biggest women's 7's tournament in Africa will not take place this year as the Uganda Rugby Union has been unable to get sponsors for the event. National teams from Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Tunisia, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda have taken part in previous editions. This year it was hoped that teams from Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Ghana, Madagascar, and Morocco would make their debut. I do not yet have the full details but evidently CAR needs to do more for women's rugby in the region. African unions, excepting South Africa and possibly Tunisia, simply do not have the financial muscle to tour the world seeking out competition to improve their standard of rugby. With this trend, I see the gap similarly widening between South Africa and the rest of Africa in women's rugby as it is in men's rugby.

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Lady Cranes win match but lose Elgon Cup

Lady Cranes put up a strong performance to pip the Kenyan team that had humiliated them 38 – 05 in Nairobi two weeks previously. Henry Musoke made only two changes to his squad after losing Dorothy Nekesa and Angela Athieno to injury. Utility back, Charlotte Mudoola came back into the squad at outside centre while hooker, Stella Kyalikunda earned a place on the bench. After a scoreless first half, a penalty try was awarded to Uganda at the beginning of the second half after a Kenyan player pulled back Charlotte Mudoola as she chased a loose ball rolling into the in goal area. Mudoola converted to give the Ugandans a 7 point lead. This lead was narrowed to 2 points when Celestine Navalayo scored 20 minutes later. The Lady Cranes kept the pressure on the Kenyans and were rewarded when Stella Kyalikunda wrapped it up for the Uganda in the last 10 minutes of the game after she dotted down under the posts. Mudoola missed the conversion so the final score remained at 12 – 05. Despite winning the game, Uganda lost the Elgon Cup on aggregate (Uganda 17, Kenya 43).

Several players from both teams stood out but the pick of them all was the Kenyan number 8, Irene Nyakundi, who carried the ball well and turned over the ball at numerous occasions when Uganda was looking dangerous. Her captain, Celestine Navalayo who played at outside centre, also deserves mention for her strong runs. For Uganda, second rowers Hellen Gizamba and her vice captain Evelyn Aweku were outstanding in the lineouts and ball carrying while the entire front row, Warry Nambirige, Christine Kizito and Fortunate Irankunda were instrumental in destabilising the Kenyan scrum. Helen Buteme, at fullback, neutralised the Kenyans kicking game and made several try saving tackles.

Full-time: 12 - 05

Half-time: 0-0

Scorers

Uganda, Tries: Penalty try, Stella Kyalikunda; Conversions: Charlotte Mudoola.

Kenya, Tries: Celestine Navalayo.

Match officials

Referee: Charles Mungoma (Uganda)

Assistant referees: Denis Anguyo and Daniel Alilo (Uganda).

Match Commissioner: Denis Odongkara (Uganda)

Lady Cranes

1. Warry Nambirige - Thunderbirds
2. Fortunate Irankunda - Black Panthers
3. Christine Kizito – Thunderbirds (Stella Kyalikunda)
4. Hellen Gizamba - Black Panthers
5. Evelyn Aweku (vice captain) - Thunderbirds
6. Aalliya Adania - Thunderbirds
7. Claire Anena - Black Panthers
8. Josephine Namayega - Black Panthers
9. Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi - Thunderbirds
10. Harriet Kayonjo - Thunderbirds
11. Prossy Nakakande (captain) - Black Panthers
12. Brenda Kayiyi - Black Panthers
13. Charlotte Mudoola - Rangers
14. Hadijah Namuyanja – Rangers (Beatrice Atim)
15. Helen Buteme - Black Panthers
16. Stella Kyalikunda - Thunderbirds
17. Alice Nankyonyi - Thunderbirds
18. Emma Oroma - Black Panthers
19. Aisha Bahanii - Black Panthers
20. Joan Namuyomba - Thunderbirds
21. Beatrice Atim - Black Panthers
22. Mary Kyoita - Rangers

Coach: Henry Musoke

Assistant coach: Bobby Musinguzi

Team manager: Jackie Kigozi

Team doctor: Priscilla Najjemba

Kenyan team

1. Camilyne Awuor - Mwamba Invaders
2. Mary Otieno - Mwamba Invaders
3. Rebecca Kerubo - Mwamba Invaders (Janet Midecha)
4. Angela Olum - Mwamba Invaders
5. Rachael Adhiambo - Mwamba Invaders
6. Stacy Awuor - Vivi Girls
7. Aberdeen Shikhoyi - Mwamba Invaders
8. Irene Nyakundi - Mwamba Invaders
9. Mary Musieka - Mwamba Invaders (Anita Omondi)
10. Doreen Remour - Mwamba Invaders
11. Philadelphia Olando - Mwamba Invaders
12. Judy Agengo - Mwamba Invaders
13. Celestine Navalayo (Captain) - Mwamba Invaders
14. Robinah Wambui - Vivi Girls
15. Irene Awino - Mwamba Invaders
16. Anita Omondi - Mwamba Invaders
17. Dorcas Ocholi - Mwamba Invaders
18. Esther Njue - - Mwamba Invaders
19. Kezia Adhiambo - Vivi Girls
20. Adelaide Nasambu - Mwamba Invaders
21. Millicent Opalla - Mwamba Invaders
22. Janet Midecha - Vivi Girls

Coach: Sammy Kemmy

Assistant coach: Pritt Nyandatt

Team manager: Yvonne Makwali

Physiotherapist: Gerald Omondi

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Lady Cranes to host Kenyans in return match

Lady Cranes 15’s coach, Henry Musoke, has the unenviable task of rebuilding the Lady Cranes 15’s squad and at the same retaining the Elgon Cup. The retirement and unavailability of half of the regular starting players meant that Musoke had to throw 7 uncapped players and several fringe players into the deep end in the game against Kenya 2 weeks ago. Led by their new captain, Prossy Nakakande, the Lady Cranes spectacularly collapsed against a well drilled and experienced Kenyan side. Although the Ugandans showed occasional flashes of brilliance, the Kenyans used their strong pack effectively to provide their backs with good ball and wipe out any resistance from the Ugandans: the result was a 38 – 05 drubbing.

Two weeks on Musoke will probably use the same squad against the Kenyans and hope for better results. Musoke will have to do without the services of Dorothy Nekesa as she was injured in the first leg and has not recovered in time for the return leg. However, it is likely that the squad will be boosted by the presence of Charlotte Mudoola who missed the first leg as she was sitting exams. After their baptism of fire, Musoke will hope that the new players will have settled into the team and will thrive under the steadying influence of seasoned players such as Mudoola, Christine Kizito and Helen Buteme. Ugandan fans have come to expect nothing short of victory at home and Musoke and his charges will have to do all that they can to deliver. The Kenyans arrive today with a largely unchanged squad - Esther Njue steps in for Florence Awuor.

Kenyan squad:

Forwards

Camilyne Awour, Mary Otieno, Rebecca Kerubo, Angela Olum, Rachael Adhiambo, Aberdeen Shikhoyi, Stacy Awour, Irene Nyakundi, Ester Njue, Adelaide Nasambu, Kezia Adhiambo.

Backs

Mary Musieka, Doreen Remour, Rubina Wambui, Judy Agengo, Celestine Navalayo (Captain), Philadelphia Olando, Irene Awino, Anita Omondi, Dorcas Ocholi, Millicent Opalla, Janet Midecha.

Officials: Sammy Kemmey (Coach), Pritt Nyandatt (Assistant Coach) Yvonne Makwali (Team Manager), Gerald Omondi (Physiotherapist).

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Kenya in emphatic win over Lady Cranes

The Kenyan women possibly hold an unassailable lead after winning the first leg of the Elgon Cup 38 - 05. The Kenyans built up a 19 - 00 half time lead after winning all their set pieces and using their bigger forwards to set up attacking options for their backline. Doreen Remour and Celestine Navalayo scored 2 tries each, with woman of the match Adedeen Shikoyi and Mary Otieno adding one each. Angela Olum kicked over four conversions. Christine Kizito scored a consolation try for the Lady Cranes.

Both teams were reduced to 14 in the second half after Helen Buteme (Uganda) was shown a yellow card for a high tackle while Philadelphia Olanda (Kenya) got a yellow card for stamping.

Prossy Nakakande, the new Lady Cranes captain admitted this was not Uganda at her best. “We took so long to settle down and give credit to Kenya, they have very strong runners who made the difference. It may not be an excuse but we are missing some of the key players for this leg. It is a wake up call and we just have to step it up in the return leg which will not be easy,” the captain acknowledged.

The Kenyan captain, Celestine Navalayo said they were taking it one game at a time. “We will celebrate this win but the hard work starts just now. I think we could have won by many points but did not convert our chances early in the first half which is why it took 25 minutes to score the first points,” she said.

The Ugandans host the Kenyans in Kampala on August 29th.

Full-time: 38 - 05

Half-time: 19-0

Scorers

Kenya: Tries – Abedeen Shikoyi, Celestine Navalayo (2), Doreen Remour (2), Mary Atieno; Conversions: Angela Olum (4).

Uganda, Tries: Christine Kizito.

Yellow Cards

Helen Buteme (Uganda)

Philadelphia Olando (Kenya)

Match officials

Referee: Andrew Karani (Kenya)

Assistant referees: Allan Khakame (Kenya), Ian Muriuki (Kenya).

Table officials: Edward Mbugua and Daniel Kimani (Kenya)

Match Commissioner: Godwin Karuga (Kenya)

Lady Cranes team

1. Warry Nambirige - Thunderbirds
2. Dorothy Nekesa - Thunderbirds (Angela Athieno)
3. Alice Nankyonyi - Thunderbirds (Fortunate Irankunda)
4. Hellen Gizamba - Black Panthers
5. Christine Kizito - Thunderbirds
6. Evelyn Aweku (vice captain) - Thunderbirds
7. Aalliya Adania - Thunderbirds
8. Josephine Namayega - Black Panthers
9. Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi - Thunderbirds
10. Harriet Kayonjo - Thunderbirds (Claire Anena)
11. Prossy Nakakande (captain) - Black Panthers
12. Brenda Kayiyi - Black Panthers
13. Beatrice Atim - Black Panthers (Joan Namuyomba)
14. Emma Oroma - Black Panthers (Mary Kyoita)
15. Helen Buteme - Black Panthers
16. Fortunate Irankunda - Black Panthers
17. Angela Athieno - Black Panthers
18. Claire Anena - Black Panthers
19. Aisha Bahanii - Black Panthers
20. Hadijah Namuyanja - Rangers
21. Joan Namuyomba - Thunderbirds
22. Mary Kyoita – Rangers

Coach: Henry Musoke

Team manager: Pamela Abeja

Team doctor: Priscilla Najjemba

Kenya team

1. Camilyne Awuor - Mwamba Invaders (Janet Midecha)
2. Mary Otieno - Mwamba Invaders
3. Rebecca Kerubo - Mwamba Invaders
4. Angela Olum - Mwamba Invaders
5. Rachael Adhiambo - Mwamba Invaders (Florence Awuor)
6. Stacy Awuor - Vivi Girls
7. Abedeen Shikhoi - Mwamba Invaders
8. Irene Nyakundi - Mwamba Invaders
9. Mary Musieka - Mwamba Invaders (Anita Omondi)
10. Doreen Remour - Mwamba Invaders
11. Philadelphia Olando - Mwamba Invaders
12. Judy Agengo - Mwamba Invaders
13. Celestine Navalayo (Captain) - Mwamba Invaders
14. Robinah Wambui - Vivi Girls
15. Irene Awino - Mwamba Invaders
16. Anita Omondi - Mwamba Invaders
17. Dorcas Ocholi - Mwamba Invaders
18. Florence Awuor - Vivi Girls
19. Kezia Adhiambo - Vivi Girls
20. Adeline Nasambu - Mwamba Invaders
21. Millicent Opalla - Mwamba Invaders
22. Janet Midecha - Vivi Girls

Coach: Sammy Kemmey

Team manager: Josephine Were

Physiotherapist: George Odhiambo

sources: the Punter, Daily Nation, August 15th 2009 and kenyarfu.com

Lady Cranes for Elgon CUp

The Lady Cranes depart by bus for Kenya today.

Warry Nambirige, Dorothy Nekesa, Alice Nankyonyi, *Hellen Gizamba, Christine Kizito, Evelyn Aweku, Aliya Adania, Josephine Namayega, Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, Harriet Kayonjo, Prossy Nakakande, Brenda Kayiyi, *Beatrice Atim, *Emma Oroma, Helen Buteme, *Claire Anena, Hadija Namuyanja, *Angela Atieno, *Mary Kyoita, *Aisha Bahanii, Joan Namuyomba and Fortunate Irankunda.

*denotes uncapped for 15's.

Coach Henry Musoke
Assitant coach Bobby Musinguzi
Team Manager Jackie Kigozi



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Elgon Cup to go on despite EABL eleventh hour pull out

East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL) has stopped sponsoring the annual epic Elgon Cup clashes between arch-rivals Kenya and Uganda. Despite the withdrawal by EABL the event between Uganda and Kenya will go on as planned. Uganda will this week send both the Rugby Cranes and the Lady Cranes to Nairobi and host the Kenyan teams 2 weeks later. URU chairman, William Blick, said that both URU and KRFU were looking for other sponsors and that there were plans to revive the East African Rugby Union.

sources: Sunday Vision and Sunday Monitor, 9th August, 2009

Henry Musoke takes women through their paces

The former team manager of Uganda men's national team - Henry Musoke - has taken over as the Lady Cranes 15's coach. Musoke has been taking the women through their paces at Kyadondo Rugby Club. Musoke has a selection dilemma as several youngsters have come through the ranks and are putting up performances that cannot be overlooked.

The Lady Cranes team will be named at the end of this week and they leave for Nairobi by bus next week on Thursday.

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Lady Cranes 15's trials this Saturday

With the UWRA 7's, 10's and 15's leagues wrapped up the women will now have their 15 aside trials this weekend. A provisional squad will be picked in preparation for the Elgon Cup on August 15th in Nairobi, Kenya. UWRA will release the names of the provisional squad next week.

In other women's news, in a UWRA AGM held last week, Irene Namapii was returned as chairperson of the Uganda Women's Rugby Association. All her committee members save Christine Kizito were re-elected. Kizito was replaced by Sarah Nassali.

UWRA committee

Chairperson - Irene Namapii

Vice Chairperson - Immy Mudoola

Secretary - Helen Buteme

Treasurer - Jeroline Akubu

Members - Julian Nkruyija, Pamela Abeja, Sarah Nassali.

Kenya women's coach, Kemmy calls up 7 new players

Sseven new players have been called up to the national women’s rugby team to start preparations for the first leg of Elgon Cup against Uganda on August 15 at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground. Among the new call ups is Sharon Onyango, a sister to Lucas Onyango who plays Rugby League in Manchester for Oldham. Others are Rachel Wamoto, Catherine Abilla, Sylvia Kavere, Anita Kalemera and Esther Njue.

But coach Sammy Kemmey will miss two key players - Anita Omondi and Nereah Awino - who are currently out of the country. The bulk of the 30 players named by Kemmey are from Mwamba Invaders with the rest from Ruaraka-based Vivi Girls.

The team has been training from February and used Safari Sevens as part of their build up. “The players have matured and are upbeat about the upcoming assignments,” the coach said. Celestine Navalayo, the women’s national team captain is encouraged by the steady growth of women’s rugby especially in schools.

Provisional Kenya women squad:

Stacy Awuor, Janet Midecha, Kezia Achieng, Maureen Minayo, Robinah Wambui, Sharon Onyango, Irene Namai (Vivi Girls)

Celestine Navalayo, Catherine Abilla, Rachel Adhiambo, Judy Agengo, Irene Awino, Irene Nyakundi, Rachel Wamoto, Dorcus Ocholi, Emily Achieng, Camilyne Awuor, Adelaide Nasambu, Abedine Shikhoi, Mary Atieno, Mary Musieka, Esther Njue, Angela Olum, Doreen Remour, Millicent Opalla, Philadelphia Olando, Sylvia Kavere, Agnes Wanjiru, Anita Kalemera and Rebecca Kerubo (Mwamba Invaders).

source: The Punter, Daily Nation, July 25th

Catherine Spencer and TRDT donate jerseys to Black Panthers

Black Panthers Rugby Club were beneficiaries of a set of jerseys donated by the England womens 15's captain, Catherine Spencer, and the Tag Rugby Development Trust (TRDT). Spencer had visited Uganda as a TRDT volunteer and used the occassion to hand over the jerseys used by the English team during the Six Nations championship. TRDT founder, Martin Hansford, also handed over a set of jerseys to Rangers Rugby Club and promised to continue supporting tag rugby and women's rugby in Uganda.

Black Panthers win second 15's tie

Black Panthers scored through Aisha Bahanii in the first 3 minutes of their 15 aside game last Saturday against Thunderbirds and held on doggedly to win the game 05 - 00. The ladies face off once more this weekend (25th July) for a winner takes all game to determine who are the UWRA 15's champions.

A Lady Cranes team will be selected at the end of the month to take on the Kenyans in the first leg of the Elgon Cup (15th August) that will be held in Nairobi. The second leg will be in Kampala on the 29th August. Last year, the Lady Cranes won the first encounter in Kampala 18 - 07 before narrowly losing 13 - 15 in Nairobi.

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Thunderbirds win first 15's game

The Thunderbirds showed great character to come from behind to beat Black Panthers 10 - 07 in the first 15 aside game between the two teams played on 4th July at Kyadondo Rugby Club. The first half of the game ended 00 - 00 with contrasting styles of play being shown. Thunderbirds preferred to use their bulkier forwards and set up mauls that the Black Panthers found difficult to defend while the Black Panthers chose use their pace and run the ball from everywhere on the pitch.

In the second half, The Black Panthers turned over possession deep in their 22 and fed the ball to Emma Oroma on the wing who sprinted 80 metres to dot down between the posts. Charlotte Mudoola made good the conversion to spring a 07 - 00 lead. Black Panthers wasted several clear scoring opportunites and were made to rue their missed chances when Thunderbirds piled on the pressure with 10 minutes to go that resulted in Agnes Nantongo scoring in the corner. Christine Kizito was unable to convert leaving Thunderbirds 2 points behind. Thunderbirds turned up the heat and it paid dividends when Asha Ssonko scored a last gasp try in the 78th minute of play and although Kizito failed to convert Ssonko had done enough to ensure victory for the Thunderbirds.

Black Panthers take Toyota 7's

Black Panthers beat Rangers 34 - 00 while the Thunderbirds beat the Rangers 29 - 00 to set up a mouth watering clash at the Toyota 7's last weekend. In a game characterised by big hits and crunching tackles, the BlackPanthers scored first then held on to win the game 05 - 00 to become the Toyota 7's women's champions.

The women will now switch their attention to the 15 aside code as they are scheduled to curtain raise the men's 2011 rugby world cup qualifier on June 13th.

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Thunderbirds 2009 UWRA 7's champions

Thunderbirds became the new UWRA 7's champions last weekend as the UWRA 7's league came to a close.  The 4th leg was played for pride as Thunderbirds had already wrapped up the series after winning the 3rd leg.  Thunderbirds beat a much improved Rangers side  27 - 00 and drew with the 2008 UWRA 7's champions, Black Panthers, 05 - 05. Black Panthers beat Rangers 17 - 05.

Thunderbirds  and Black Panthers will play each other in a 15 aside curtain raiser game before the men's 15 aside RWC qualifier game against Tunisia on June 13th.

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Elgon Cup first leg shifted to August

The Kenya Rugby Football Union (KRFU) has opted to change the date for the first leg of the Elgon Cup. Originally slated for May, KRFU will now host Uganda in August, 2 weeks before the return leg in Uganda. This allows both the women's teams to concentrate on the CAR 7's in June before switching their attention to the 15 side friendlies.


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Thunderbirds seal the UWRA 7's league

Thunderbirds sealed the UWRA 7's league by winning the 3rd leg. They beat Rangers 44 - 00 and defending champions, Black Panthers, 10 - 00. Black Panthers beat Rangers 12 - 00.

The 4th leg will be played this on 9th May but will just be a formality as it's outcome will not have any bearing on the standings.

A Lady Cranes 7's squad will be selected for the CAR 7's in June.


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URU awards night

The Uganda Rugby Union (URU) held it's 2008 awards dinner on Friday 24th April at the Grand Imperial Hotel.

ICEMARK-Uganda, the main sponsors of women's rugby in Uganda gifted each of the 16 players in the Lady Cranes 7's world cup squad 750,000 Uganda shillings with the exception of Justine Bayigga who received 1,000,00 shillings for being Uganda's top try scorer. Bayigga scored Uganda's only 2 tries at the 7's world cup.

In the individual URU awards, Ann Namubiru from Rangers Rugby Club scooped the Upcoming player award while the Lady Cranes 7's captain, Helen Buteme, took home the 2008 Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. It is Buteme's third URU MVP award.

Previous awards winners

Upcoming player
2007 - Aalliya Adania
2008 - Ann Namubiru

MVP
2004 - Helen Buteme
2005 - Helen Buteme
2006 - Rachel Kakaire
2007 - Christine Kizito
2008 - Helen Buteme


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Lady Cranes 7's heroines lose out on UTL-USPA Personality of the year award

Uganda's most successful sports team - the Lady Cranes 7's team - lost out on the top prize at the Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) gala sponsored by Uganda Telecommunications (UTL) held on 18th April 2009.

Lady Cranes collected 490 votes, just 10 less than Moses Kipsiro, the eventual winner of the USPA 2008 Sports personality of the year award. The scribes judged Kipsiro's fourth place finish at last year's Olympics in Beijing, second place at the World Athletics Final and winning the Belfast International cross-country a notch higher than the Lady Cranes' historic qualification for the 2009 Rugby 7's World Cup.

However, the Lady Cranes 7's team did not lose out completely. They came away with the first runner up award. Christine Kizito received the UTL-USPA 2008 Rugby player of the year award.

The Uganda Rugby Union (URU) annual dinner will be held on 24th March 2009. The URU top achievers for 2008 will receive awards as well as the Lady Cranes 7's World Cup team.

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Thunderbirds firmly on top

Thunderbirds' rugby club look to have cemented their lead after 2 legs of the UWRA 7's league.  Thunderbirds brushed aside Rangers with an easy 38-00 win before struggling to overcome Black Panthers 10-07.  Black Panthers beat Rangers 21-00 and trail Thunderbirds by 4 points in the league standings.

Thunderbirds so far have 12 points, Black Panthers 8 points and Rangers 4 points.  Harriet Kayonjo from Thunderbirds leads the points table with 7 tries.

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Thunderbirds lose to Mwamba Invaders in 15's

The Thunderbirds hosted the Mwamba Invaders from Kenya at Kyadondo Rugby Club for a 15 aside inter-club friendly over Easter. Thunderbirds struck first through Justine Bayigga who sprinted clear of her marker and ran 50 metres, to take an early 05-00 lead. The Kenyans replied through Philadelphia Olando, after she collected a clever chip over the flat Ugandan defence by Doreen Remour. Remour dummied her way through the Ugandans for a try of her own to give the Kenyans a slim 5 point lead at the break.

Mwamba Invaders continued to dominate possession in the second half and tries by Mary Otieno and Remour converted by Remour and Angela Olum took the game out of the Thunderbirds’ reach. However, the Thunderbirds fought back gallantly in the last 10 minutes and were rewarded with a try by Christine Kizito.

Venue: Kyadondo Rugby Club, Uganda
Halftime score: 05-10
Fulltime score: 10-24
Yellow cards: None
Red cards: None

Tries (Thunderbirds): Justine Bayigga, Christine Kizito
Tries (Mwamba Invaders): Philadelphia Olando, Doreen Remour (2), Mary Otieno
Conversions (Mwamba Invaders): Doreen Remour, Angela Olum

Woman of the match: Doreen Remour (Mwamba Invaders)

Thunderbirds lead table standings after first leg of 2009 7's league

The UWRA women’s 7’s league resumes this weekend with the 2nd leg being held at Kampala Rugby Club. Thunderbirds lead the standings after winning the 1st leg held at Kyadondo Rugby Club in March. The scores were

Thunderbirds versus Rangers 67-00, Thunderbirds versus Black Panthers 31-00 and Black Panthers versus Rangers 41-00.


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South Africa chosen to represent Africa at 2010 XVs World Cup

IRB shows it's duplicity when in a move similar to the one where South Africa participated in the 2006 XVs World Cup in Canada, IRB has picked South Africa to represent Africa at the 2010 XVs World Cup in England. No qualifying tournaments in Africa, North America or South America! After going on about how they are keen to expand and strengthen the women's game and will support the lesser rugby nations it goes ahead to organise an exclusive members only competition where only the major rugby unions (with a concession of one slot for Asia) get to play each other and have the cheek to label it a world cup! All countries deserve a chance to compete for a place in the World Cup but only when they (IRB) have their interests to be served (i.e. impressing IOC).

New Zealand, England and France qualify automatically as they finished in the top 3 (in that order) in the 2006 world cup.

Europe (4 slots): Wales and Ireland have qualified as they finished in the top 4 during the 2009 women's 6 nations competition while Italy and Scotland will play off for the remaining 2 places with Spain, Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, Germany and Belgium next month in Sweden. Romania, Finland, Luxembourg, Norway and Serbia are all denied a chance to take part in the qualifiers.

Oceania (1 slot): Samoa and Australia will play home and away with the aggregate score determining who qualifies. Fiji and Tonga are left out of the qualifying process.

Asia (1 slot): The qualifying tournament with Japan, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, and Singapore and possibly other teams will be held in October or November 2009 .

Africa: South Africa goes through directly. Uganda, Tunisia, Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe are all denied a chance to compete for a place in the world cup. Although Rwanda and Burundi have active women's 15 aside teams their unions are not IRB affiliates so they would have missed out anyway.

North America: USA and Canada go through directly. Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, Cayman Islands, and Bermuda are all denied a chance to compete for a place in the world cup.

South America (0 slots): No teams. Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and others denied a chance to represent South America at a XVs world cup.

summary of the 2009 women's rugby world cup

Pool stages

Uganda versus New Zealand: 00 - 50
Uganda versus South Africa: 00 - 26
Uganda versus Italy: 07 - 14 (Justine Bayiga - 1 try; Rachel Kakaire - 1 conversion)

Bowl quarter finals

Uganda versus Brazil: 07 - 14 (Justine Bayiga - 1 try; Rachel Kakaire - 1 conversion)

The Ugandans seemed to be overwhelmed by the classy and experienced Kiwis (3 time 15's world cup champions) but have themselves to blame for losing all their other matches. Their achilles heel seemed to be converting possession into tries. Hopefully, that is something that will be worked upon in the coming years. In an interview with the Daily Monitor head coach David Mutaka said that the Lady Cranes performed below the technical team's expectiations and attributed it to nerves and the players being intimidated by the occassion. Despite that, well done Lady Cranes for representing uganda at the world cup.

Uganda, Japan and Thailand finished the world cup without a single win.

South Africa lost 25 - 00 to New Zealand in the pool stages but defeated Italy 17 - 00 and Uganda 26 - 00. South Africa then beat Spain 19 - 07 in the main cup quarter finals before losing to the eventual 7's champions, Australia, 19 - 07. South Africa finished the tournament joint 3rd with USA and therefore automatically qualify for the next world cup. The top 4 women's teams from this world cup do not have to go through the qualifying competitions for the 2013 world cup.

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Lady Cranes set for World Cup

The Lady Cranes squad for the world cup has been finalised with Joan Andika and Fortunate Irankunda not making the cut. Helen Buteme takes over from Christine Kizito as the team captain while Rachel Kakaire will be her assistant.

The Lady Cranes will depart from Entebbe airport on Sunday afternoon and arrive in Dubai in the wee hours of Monday morning. The tournament kicks off with the men’s games on Thursday while the women’s games start on Friday. Lady Cranes face New Zealand first before taking on South Africa and Italy.

Forwards: Christine Kizito, Winnie Atyang, Agnes Nantongo, Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, (Thunderbirds), Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers), Aliya Adania (Rangers)

Backs: Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers), Rachel Kakaire, Harriet Kayonjo (Thunderbirds) Prossy Nakakande, Helen Buteme (Black Panthers), Justine Bayiga.


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Dubai squad named

Lady Cranes coach David Mutaka has named his Dubai squad. Mary Kyoita, Josephine Namayega and Fortunate Irankunda who were part of the team that qualified for the world cup did not make it onto the world cup squad. Agnes Nantongo breaks onto the 7's team for the first time to replace Fortunate, while Uganda's track queen Justine Bayigga replaces Mary Kyoita on the wing. Rachel Kakaire makes a return onto the 7's team after missing the qualifiers at the expense of Josephine Namayega who failed to recover from an ankle injury sustained during training last year.

Props: Agnes Nantongo, Christine Kizito (Thunderbirds), and Aalliya Adania (Rangers)
Hookers: Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers) and Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi (Thunderbirds)
Scrumhalves: Helen Buteme and Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers)
Backs: Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers), Rachel Kakaire, Winnie Atyang, Harriet Kayonjo (Thunderbirds) and Justine Bayigga

Non-travelling reserves: Joan Andika (Rangers) and Fortunate Irankunda (Black Panthers)

The 14 woman squad will go into residential camp the week prior to their departure.



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Mutaka to name Lady Cranes World Cup squad this week

Coach David Mutaka will unveil his World Cup squad this week after 16 players attended a 2 day camp in Mukono over the weekend.

Mutaka and Sseguya charges have been playing matches against local men's sides and so far have been impressive.

The Lady Cranes will have 2 more camps before they fly to Dubai on 1st March.


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Lady Cranes attend camp in Mukono

16 players attended a training camp at Uganda Christian Matyrs University, in Mukono, from 24th - 26th September. The camp was conducted by head coach, David Mutaka and his assistant, Robert Sseguya. South African, Norman Mbiko was absent during the camp as he cancelled his trip to Uganda after IRB pooled Uganda together with South Africa.

The players who attended the camp were,

Aliya Adania (Rangers), Josephine Namayega, Agnes Nantongo, Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, Christine Kizito (Thunderbirds), Claire Anena, Fortunate Irankunda, Brenda Kayiyi, (Black Panthers).

Backs: Joan Andika, Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers), Winnie Atyang, Rachel Kakaire, Harriet Kayonjo, (Thunderbirds), Helen Buteme, Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers), Justine Bayiga.


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Lady Cranes get tough World Cup draw

Lady Luck was not smiling on Uganda's 7's women's team as the World Cup draw was carried out in Dubai yesterday. Uganda have been placed in pool D with fellow Africans, South Africa, New Zealand and Italy.

New Zealand were unbeaten in the 7's code for 7 years until last year when they lost to England at the Amsterdam 7's and at a one off game at Twickenham. New Zealand qualified for the World Cup as number 2 from Oceania after losing twice to Australia during the Oceania World Cup qualifiers.

Italy qualified for the World Cup after coming 6th during the FIRA - AER qualifiers.

South Africa beat Uganda in the final of the CAR qualifiers to qualify as Africa's number 1 seeds while Uganda also booked themselves a World Cup slot by virtue of being finalists.

The tournament kicks off on March 5th and the match schedule will be released at a later date by the IRB.


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Lady Cranes 7’s World Cup provisional squad

With 6 weeks to the 7’s World Cup, Lady Cranes training is already in high gear with trial games being held every Saturday. The 19 woman squad has been cut to 17 players with Asha Ssonko, Dorothy Nekesa, Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds) and Mary Kyoita (Rangers) being dropped while Hadijah Namuyanja and Joan Andika have been drafted in. The squad will be further trimmed to 14 players next month.

The Lady Cranes will benefit with a visit from South African 7’s tactician Norman Mbiko at the end of this month before they return to South Africa in February for a final build up tournament.

Forwards: Aliya Adania (Rangers), Josephine Namayega, Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, Christine Kizito (Thunderbirds), Brenda Kayiyi, Fortunate Irankunda, Claire Anena (Black Panthers).

Backs: Charlotte Mudoola, Hadijah Namuyanja, Joan Andika (Rangers), Winnie Atyang, Rachel Kakaire, Harriet Kayonjo, Agnes Nantongo (Thunderbirds), Helen Buteme, Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers), Justine Bayiga.


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Internationals for 2009

March 5th – 7th: Women’s Rugby World Cup (Dubai, UAE)

May (TBC) – Elgon Cup (first leg in Nairobi, Kenya)

June – CAR 7’s (TBC)

August – Elgon Cup (return leg in Kampala, Uganda)



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what's in store for women's rugby in 2009?

The Lady Cranes will be one of the two African representatives at the women's rugby 7's world cup to be held from the 5th to 7th March in Dubai this year. This will be a history defining moment for the Uganda's unsung sporting champions: after only 5 years of rugby in Uganda and they qualify for a world cup!!! They will be rubbing shoulders with women who have been playing rugby for twice or even 3 times that long. Amazing really.

This year will also be the year for the women's 15's world cup qualifiers. Africa's number one 7's seeds, South Africa, represented Africa in the 2006 15 aside world cup and finished last in the 12 team tournament. IRB is unlikely to increase the number of teams in the 15 aside competition so it is highly likely that South Africa may qualify virtually unchallenged. The rest of the African nations are light years behind South Africa in terms of depth, technical expertise and of course funding for the women's game. We hope that changes in the years to come but for now, South Africa still leads.