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Women's rugby to feature at historic rugby 7s at Namboole

2010-09-24T02:11:00.000-07:00

Black Panthers have won 2 Hima 7s circuits (at Makerere and at Kampala Rugby Club) and look poised to win the final leg at Namboole.

The fleet footed ladies have looked dominant this season and look to wrap up the 7s title as they already have the 10 aside and 15 aside titles under their belts. Beatrice Atim, Regina Athieno, Emmanuella Oroma, Charlotte Mudoola and Brenda Kayiyi have been key players for the women coached by Helen Buteme while stalwarts Thunderbirds' stalwarts Hadijah Namuyanja, Christine Kizito, Harriet Kayonjo, Aliya Adania, Winnie Atiang and Mary Kyoita coached by Robert Sseguya have tried to stem the tide.

Namboole stadium is the the place to be tomorrow as it will be the first time in uganda that rugby is played in a stadium. The action starts from 8am and will end at 8pm.

Kenya women retain Cup

2010-09-24T01:45:00.000-07:00

The Lady Cranes team were involved in a bus accident on the way to Nairobi and narrowly escaped with their lives. As there were no major injuries, the team accepted the offer of another bus from their transporters, Kampala coach, and proceeded to Nairobi for the second leg of the Elgon Cup that took place on 10th July. In a puzzling move, none of the women's coaches travelled with the team, compelling former women's 7s coach, David Mutaka, to step into the coaching role in the second half of the game. Despite all these negative factors, the Ugandan women put up a spirited battle but Kenya's women ground out a 16-8 win which allowed them to win the series on aggregate, 21-16, and thus retain the Women's Elgon Cup.

Uganda opened the scoring when Christine Kizito put over a penalty on nine minutes, but Angela Olum cancelled out the lead as Kenya grew in stature towards the end of the first half.

After the break, Stacy Awuor's try gave Kenya the lead and, although Olum missed the conversion, Philadelphia Olando's score put them 13-3 ahead on 52 minutes.

Emanuella Oroma's try reduced the deficit to 13-8 for the visitors before Doreen Remuor's penalty took Kenya out to to 16-8, and 21-16 on aggregate.

It was a second successive Elgon Cup title for the Kenyan ladies.

Sources: http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/regional/newsid=2039422.html

http://www.kenyarfu.com/KRFU%20DOCS/August%202010%20Issue.pdf

http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/30/725536

Another close match between the East Africans

2010-07-06T03:11:00.001-07:00

Lady Cranes pipped the Kenya women 8 - 5 in Kampala last Saturday to carry a slim 3 point lead into this Saturday's return leg in Nairobi. The Kenyans need to win by more than 4 points to ensure they retain the Elgon Cup that they won for the first time last year. Uganda needs only a draw but will be going for an all out win. The team travels by bus on Thursday.

The first half saw both teams squandering several try and penalty scoring opportunities and they went into the break tied at 0 - 0. In the second half Uganda broke the deadlock through Fortunate Irankunda. The conversion was missed and a couple of minutes later, Kenya hit back through their captain Celestine Masinde. The conversion was also missed and as the minutes wore down, Uganda mounted pressure on the Kenyans but were not able to cross the whitewash. Christine Kizito slotted home a penalty. The Ugandans made several more raids into Kenyan territory but were unable to score again. The game ended at 8 - 5.

Of concern to the Ugandans are poor field as well as goal kicks. Wayward lineout throws cost the Ugandans a lot of possession as well. On a good note, the back line has finally clicked and this is probably due to former Uganda flyhalf Ronnie Lutakome having taken over as the assistant coach. Bobby Musinguzi resigned due to work commitments. The scrum downs still remain solid but Uganda need to take advantage of their superiority in this area.

Ugandan team

Warry Nambirige
Fortunate Irankunda
Christine Kizito
Evelyn Aweku (vice captain)
Hellen Gizamba
Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi
Aaliya Adania
Josephine Namayega
Regina Athieno
Harriet Kayonjo
Prossy Nakakande (captain)
Beatrice Atim
Brenda Kayiyi
Charlotte Mudoola
Helen Buteme
Rebecca Akwenyu
Jackie Musoke
Winnie Atiang
Claire Anena
Asha Nakityo
Mary Kyoita
Hadijah Namuyanja

Coach – Henry Musoke

Assistant coach – Ronnie Lutakome

Team manager – Edmond Owor

Assistant team manager – Anne Sizomu Alan

Additional reporting at http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/regional/newsid=2039403.html#zimbabwe+kenya+enjoy+wins+africa

Women's rugby in EA survives - but only just

2010-06-29T04:40:00.000-07:00

Women's rugby in East Africa survived a major blow as the Kenya Rugby Football Union (KRFU) had initially pulled out their women's team from this year's Elgon Cup. It is not the first time KRFU has done so as they pulled out their women from the 2007 Elgon Cup competition. It seems that sanity prevailed upon KRFU and they reversed their decision and there will be a women's Elgon Cup this year.

Judging from the international friendlies earlier this year (10 - 10 draw in Kampala and 8 -0 loss for the Lady Cranes in Nairobi), this year's Elgon Cup will be a closely contested affair. The team that makes the most of it's home advantage will take the cup this year.

All the best ladies.

Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201006240679.html

Lady Cranes strive keep their home unbeaten record

2010-06-28T00:27:00.000-07:00

After losing narrowly, 8 - 0, to the Kenyans during the return leg of the friendly internationals in Nairobi last month Lady Cranes are set to take on the Kenyans once again in a curtain raiser to the men's Elgon Cup. The Ugandans have never lost to the Kenyans at home and seek to maintain that record this Saturday. More details on the squad this week.

Team lists for the May 22nd friendly international in Nairobi

2010-05-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

Due to last minute cancellations the Ugandan team travelled with 21 players.

The Ugandan team

Christine Kizito
Fortunate Irankunda
Warry Nambirige
Evelyn Aweku
Winnie Atyang
Aaliya Adania
Hellen Gizamba
Josephine Namayega
Regina Athieno*
Helen Buteme
Charlotte Mudoola
Brenda Kayiyi
Beatrice Atim
Prossy Nakakande
Hadijah Namuyanja
Dorothy Nekesa
Jackie Musoke*
Aisha Bahhani
Rebecca Akwenyu
Claire Anena
Asha Nakityo
-

* denotes first 15s cap.

Head Coach: Henry Musoke

Assistant Coach: Bobby Musinguzi

Team Manager: Anne Sizomu

Team doctor: Joseph Kalanzi

The Kenyan team

1. Camilyne Awour

2. Adelaide Nasambu

3. Janet Midecha

4. Millicent Opala

5. Rachel Adhiambo

6. Stacy Awour

7. Abadeen Shikoyi

8. Angela Olum

9. Mary Musieka

10. Doreen Remour

11. Catherine Abilla

12. Philadelphia Olando

13. Celestine Navalayo

14. Anita Omondi

15. Irene Awino

16. Hellen Antoni

17. Rubina Wambui

18. Kezia Adhiambo

19. Irene Nyakundi

20. Irene Namai

21. Mary Otieno

22. Emily Achieng

Head coach - Sammy Kemmey

Team Manager - Yvonne Makwali

Team doctor - James Moogi

17 year old Regina Athieno capped for Uganda

2010-05-25T07:22:00.000-07:00

Regina Athieno, a 17 year old scrumhalf who plays for Black Panthers earned her first cap for Uganda's women's rugby team. The diminutive player did enough to impress coaches, Henry Musoke and Bobby Musinguzi, in the national team trials leading to her starting in the game against Kenya during the international friendly on May 22nd. Team captain, Prossy Nakakande shifted out wide to the wing to accommodate the teenage star. Athieno first burst onto the Ugandan rugby scene as a winger in 2008.

Uganda lose to Kenya in Nairobi

2010-05-25T05:19:00.001-07:00

Uganda and Kenya locked horns in Nairobi in a friendly international over the weekend. Similar to the situation in Kampala, there was no publicity for the women’s game that took place at the Impala grounds at 11.30am. Kenya started off strongly and after a quick taken penalty by the forwards, the ball was spread down the back line for the captain Celestine Navalayo to score a try in the corner. The conversion was missed and Kenya led 5 – 0 after only 10 minutes of play. That shook the Ugandans and they sprang into action and camped in the Kenyan’s 22 for the remainder of the first half. Uganda failed to take advantage of numbers when the match referee gave a Kenyan forward a yellow card for persistent infringements at the rucks. The Ugandans squandered several try scoring opportunities and only had themselves to blame for not going into the break with a lead. In the second half the Ugandans rued the chances that they had missed earlier as the Kenyans kept the Ugandans pinned in their 22. A Ugandan forward was also sent to the sin bin for persistent infringements but determined defending from the Ugandan side kept the Kenyans from crossing the whitewash. However, Angela Olum nailed a penalty to take the final score of the game to 8 – 0.

Although both teams used their forwards well in open play the Ugandans were superior in set pieces while the Kenyans made better use of their backline. Next up are the Elgon cup games that will take place in July.

I will post the team lists of both teams later on in the week.

Kenya hold Lady Cranes to a draw in Kampala

2010-05-12T01:01:00.001-07:00

In an unpublicised international, Uganda came back in the few minutes of the game to draw the game with their Kenyan neighbours. Both teams had failed to cross the whitewash in the first half but the second half saw Kenya score twice through Doreen Remour and Adelaide Nasambu. The conversions were missed so Kenya led 10 - 00 until waves of determined attacks from the hosts had them scoring through Fortunate Irankunda and Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi. The conversions were missed as well so the game ended at 10 - 10.

These games are being played as curtain raisers to the men's Bamburi Rugby Super Series (BRSS) games. However, the women's games are not part of the BRSS and the respective teams have to source for their own sponsorship. This has been difficult for the teams and the internationals were almost called off due to lack of finances.

The return leg will be played on 22nd May in Nairobi.

The Ugandan team

Christine Kizito
Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi
Fortunate Irankunda
Evelyn Aweku
Winnie Atyang
Aaliya Adania
Hellen Gizamba
Josephine Namayega
Prossy Nakakande
Claire Anena
Charlotte Mudoola
Brenda Kayiyi
Beatrice Atim
Hadijah Namuyanja
Helen Buteme
Patricia Ayebazibwe*
Dorothy Nekesa
Aisha Bahhani
Rebecca Akwenyu*
Joan Namuyomba
Mary Kyoita
Asha Nakityo*

* denotes first 15s cap.

Head Coach: Henry Musoke

Assistant Coach: Bobby Musinguzi

Team Manager: Anne Sizomu

Team doctor: Joseph Kalanzi

The Kenyan team

1. Mary Otieno

2. Adelaide Nasambu

3. Camilyne Awour

4. Millicent Opala

5. Rachel Adhiambo

6. Stacy Awour

7. Abadeen Shikoyi

8. Angela Olum

9. Anita Omondi

10. Doreen Remour

11. Catherine Abilla *

12. Philadelphia Olando

13. Celestine Navalayo

14. Rubina Wambui

15. Irene Awino

16. Hellen Antoni *

17. Mary Musieka

18. Kezia Adhiambo

19. Judy Agengo

20. Irene Namai

21. Janet Midecha

22. Emily Achieng

* denotes first 15s cap.

Head coach - Sammy Kemmey

Team Manager - Yvonne Makwali

Team doctor - James Moogi

Black Panthers whip Thunderbirds

2010-03-23T03:01:00.000-07:00

Black Panthers overwhelmed former rugby queens, Thunderbirds, 36 - 12 in their final 15 aside league fixture at Kampala Rugby Club on 20th March. The in form Black Panthers' back line tore through the Thunderbirds with wingers Charlotte Mudoola and Emmanuella Oroma scoring a brace and hat-trick of tries respectively. Sylvia Ajok added the 6th try with Mudoola adding 2 conversions to her two try tally while Helen Buteme bagged one conversion.

Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi and Christine Kizito scored a try apiece for Thunderbirds with Kizito adding a conversion to make the scoreline decent.

Black Panthers retain the 15's title that they won last year.

Black Panthers new UWRA 10's champions

2010-03-07T23:33:00.000-08:00

Black Panthers beat Thunderbirds 10 - 05 to win the second UWRA 10's competition. The win means that Black Panthers take over from Thunderbirds as the UWRA 10's champions.

The UWRA 15's league will come to an end on 20th March. The 2 sides battled to a 5-5 draw in the first encounter held at Kampala Rugby Club. Thunderbirds won the second game that was hosted at Makerere University, 13 - 5. The 3rd game saw Black Panthers winning without breaking a sweat as they were awarded a walkover against the Thunderbirds. Black Panthers head with 7 points while Thunderbirds have 5 points. A draw will be good enough for the Panthers to capture their second 15's league title while Thunderbirds will be going all out for a win.

Susan Cart lauds women's rugby in Uganda

2010-02-17T03:46:00.000-08:00

Susan Carty, the IRB women's development manager in charge of women is impressed with the development of women rugby in Uganda. She also appealed to the Minister of Sports, Charles Bakkabulindi, to ensure that the government of Uganda gives more support to women's rugby.

Susan Carty next travels to South Africa for a IRB women's rugby workshop. She will be accompanied by UWRA chairperson, Irene Namapii.

Source: New Vision http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/30/710272

IRB's Susan Carty to visit Uganda

2010-02-14T21:52:00.000-08:00

IRB's women's development manager, Susan Carty, will visit Uganda this week to meet with the Uganda Women's Rugby Association executive members. She will National Council of Sports (NCS) secretary Jasper Aligawesa, Uganda Olympic committee (UOC) president Roger Ddungu and sports minister Charles Bakkabulindi before she leaves for an IRB workshop in South Africa. National rugby development manager Ramsey Olinga confirmed that Carty is to assess the level at which IRB can support Uganda.

Source: New Vision http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/30/710104

Women's 2010 season kicks off

2010-02-14T21:47:00.000-08:00

The UWRA season started with a 10 aside tournament in January. Black Panthers started off their season with a 7 - 5 win against Thunderbirds.

In the first 15 aside encounter played at Kampala Rugby Club, Thunderbirds scored early and looked to have wrapped up the game but Black Panthers forced a draw in the dying minutes of the game.

Thunderbirds last chance to claim back their mantle from Black Panthers

2009-11-17T00:43:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-05T04:54:00.003-07:00

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.

ugrugbychiclet

CAR 7's possibly cancelled

2009-09-10T05:32:00.000-07:00

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.

ugrugbychiclet

Lady Cranes win match but lose Elgon Cup

2009-09-01T07:41:00.003-07:00

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

Warry Nambirige - Thunderbirds
Fortunate Irankunda - Black Panthers
Christine Kizito – Thunderbirds (Stella Kyalikunda)
Hellen Gizamba - Black Panthers
Evelyn Aweku (vice captain) - Thunderbirds
Aalliya Adania - Thunderbirds
Claire Anena - Black Panthers
Josephine Namayega - Black Panthers
Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi - Thunderbirds
Harriet Kayonjo - Thunderbirds
Prossy Nakakande (captain) - Black Panthers
Brenda Kayiyi - Black Panthers
Charlotte Mudoola - Rangers
Hadijah Namuyanja – Rangers (Beatrice Atim)
Helen Buteme - Black Panthers
Stella Kyalikunda - Thunderbirds
Alice Nankyonyi - Thunderbirds
Emma Oroma - Black Panthers
Aisha Bahanii - Black Panthers
Joan Namuyomba - Thunderbirds
Beatrice Atim - Black Panthers
Mary Kyoita - Rangers

Coach: Henry Musoke

Assistant coach: Bobby Musinguzi

Team manager: Jackie Kigozi

Team doctor: Priscilla Najjemba

Kenyan team

Camilyne Awuor - Mwamba Invaders
Mary Otieno - Mwamba Invaders
Rebecca Kerubo - Mwamba Invaders (Janet Midecha)
Angela Olum - Mwamba Invaders
Rachael Adhiambo - Mwamba Invaders
Stacy Awuor - Vivi Girls
Aberdeen Shikhoyi - Mwamba Invaders
Irene Nyakundi - Mwamba Invaders
Mary Musieka - Mwamba Invaders (Anita Omondi)
Doreen Remour - Mwamba Invaders
Philadelphia Olando - Mwamba Invaders
Judy Agengo - Mwamba Invaders
Celestine Navalayo (Captain) - Mwamba Invaders
Robinah Wambui - Vivi Girls
Irene Awino - Mwamba Invaders
Anita Omondi - Mwamba Invaders
Dorcas Ocholi - Mwamba Invaders
Esther Njue - - Mwamba Invaders
Kezia Adhiambo - Vivi Girls
Adelaide Nasambu - Mwamba Invaders
Millicent Opalla - Mwamba Invaders
Janet Midecha - Vivi Girls

Coach: Sammy Kemmy

Assistant coach: Pritt Nyandatt

Team manager: Yvonne Makwali

Physiotherapist: Gerald Omondi

ugrugbychiclet

Lady Cranes to host Kenyans in return match

2009-08-27T02:08:00.002-07:00

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).

ugrugbychiclet

Kenya in emphatic win over Lady Cranes

2009-08-17T05:52:00.001-07:00

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

Warry Nambirige - Thunderbirds
Dorothy Nekesa - Thunderbirds (Angela Athieno)
Alice Nankyonyi - Thunderbirds (Fortunate Irankunda)
Hellen Gizamba - Black Panthers
Christine Kizito - Thunderbirds
Evelyn Aweku (vice captain) - Thunderbirds
Aalliya Adania - Thunderbirds
Josephine Namayega - Black Panthers
Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi - Thunderbirds
Harriet Kayonjo - Thunderbirds (Claire Anena)
Prossy Nakakande (captain) - Black Panthers
Brenda Kayiyi - Black Panthers
Beatrice Atim - Black Panthers (Joan Namuyomba)
Emma Oroma - Black Panthers (Mary Kyoita)
Helen Buteme - Black Panthers
Fortunate Irankunda - Black Panthers
Angela Athieno - Black Panthers
Claire Anena - Black Panthers
Aisha Bahanii - Black Panthers
Hadijah Namuyanja - Rangers
Joan Namuyomba - Thunderbirds
Mary Kyoita – Rangers

Coach: Henry Musoke

Team manager: Pamela Abeja

Team doctor: Priscilla Najjemba

Kenya team

Camilyne Awuor - Mwamba Invaders (Janet Midecha)
Mary Otieno - Mwamba Invaders
Rebecca Kerubo - Mwamba Invaders
Angela Olum - Mwamba Invaders
Rachael Adhiambo - Mwamba Invaders (Florence Awuor)
Stacy Awuor - Vivi Girls
Abedeen Shikhoi - Mwamba Invaders
Irene Nyakundi - Mwamba Invaders
Mary Musieka - Mwamba Invaders (Anita Omondi)
Doreen Remour - Mwamba Invaders
Philadelphia Olando - Mwamba Invaders
Judy Agengo - Mwamba Invaders
Celestine Navalayo (Captain) - Mwamba Invaders
Robinah Wambui - Vivi Girls
Irene Awino - Mwamba Invaders
Anita Omondi - Mwamba Invaders
Dorcas Ocholi - Mwamba Invaders
Florence Awuor - Vivi Girls
Kezia Adhiambo - Vivi Girls
Adeline Nasambu - Mwamba Invaders
Millicent Opalla - Mwamba Invaders
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

2009-08-12T23:51:00.000-07:00

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

ugrrugby chiclet

Elgon Cup to go on despite EABL eleventh hour pull out

2009-08-11T02:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-05T00:07:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-29T02:50:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-29T02:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-23T01:10:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-20T06:34:00.001-07:00

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

2009-07-20T06:21:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-28T04:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-19T00:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-03T04:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-03T04:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-26T03:02:00.000-07:00

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

ugrugbychiclet

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

2009-04-21T03:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-21T03:38:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-15T01:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-15T01:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-01T02:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-09T04:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-02-26T03:08:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-11T21:27:00.000-08:00

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

2009-02-10T00:32:00.001-08:00

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

2009-01-29T00:20:00.000-08:00

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.

ugrugbychiclet

Lady Cranes get tough World Cup draw

2009-01-19T23:19:00.000-08:00

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.

ugrugbychiclet

Lady Cranes 7’s World Cup provisional squad

2009-01-16T00:21:00.001-08:00

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

2009-01-16T00:12:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-01-04T23:42:00.000-08:00

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.

South Africa better Uganda again

2008-12-18T03:54:00.000-08:00

The Lady Cranes reached the finals of the Nelson Mandela Bay 7's held at the Pearson High School, Summerstrand in Port Elizabeth, South Africa after topping their pool on day 1 (Friday 12th December) with victories against Eastern Province, the Department of Correctional Services and the Blue Bulls.

In the first game against Eastern Province, Rachel Kakaire and Helen Buteme scored one try apiece with Kakaire converting to take the final score to 12 - 00. Justine Bayiga got herself on the scoresheet in the game against the Department of Correctional Services with 2 tries, while captain Christine Kizito and Fortunate Irankunda both crossed the try line once. Kakaire added 2 conversions to end the game at 24 - 00. South Africa won both their pool games against Blue Bulls and Border to top their pool and set up a date with Eastern Province in one semi final while the Cranes took on Blue Bulls in the other semi final.

The semi finals were on 13th December, and the Lady Cranes had to dig deep to get themselves into the final. The Blue Bulls scored twice before the Lady Cranes clawed their way back into the game courtesy of 2 tries from Rachel Kakaire and 1 try from Helen Buteme. The final score was 15 - 10 to the Ugandans: the South Africans beat Eastern Province to meet Uganda in their 4th finals date since 2006.

On their home ground the South Africans hammered the Ugandans into submission, easily running out the winners with an emphatic 36 - 00 drubbing.

The top try scorer of the tournament was South African Phumeza Gadu while the MVP accolade went to her captain Saloma Booysen.

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Lady Cranes set for Mandela 7's

2008-12-09T00:05:00.000-08:00

The Lady Cranes 7’s team departs for South Africa on Thursday to take part in the Nelson Mandela Bay 7’s. Coaches David Mutaka and Robert Sseguya plan to use this tournament to try out new combinations. The team will, however, do without the services of Josephine Namayega who has been ruled out for one month due to an ankle injury and Charlotte Mudoola who has examinations. Asha Ssonko and Rachel Kakaire come back into the squad to replace Namayega and Mudoola respectively while Justine Bayiga takes the place of Mary Kyoita on the wing.

Final Squad:
Forwards: Christine Kizito (captain), Asha Ssonko (Thunderbirds), Aliya Adania (Rangers), Fortunate Irankunda, Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers).Backs: Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, Winnie Atyang, Harriet Kayonjo, Rachel Kakaire (Thunderbirds), Prossy Nakakande, Helen Buteme (Black Panthers), Justine Bayiga.

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Lady Cranes confirmed to travel to South Africa

2008-12-02T21:48:00.000-08:00

Lady Cranes 7's team, sponsored by ICEMARK, flies out to Port Elizabeth, South Africa next week to take part in the Nelson Mandela Bay 7's tournament. David Mutaka and Robert Sseguya are yet to select the final 12 woman squad from the larger squad of 19.

Forwards: Christine Kizito, Asha Ssonko, Josephine Namayega, Aliya Adania, Fortunate Irankunda, Brenda Kayiyi, Dorothy Nekesa, Claire Anena.
Backs: Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, Prossy Nakakande, Winnie Atyang, Rachel Kakaire, Helen Buteme, Harriet Kayonjo, Agnes Nantongo, Sauda Adiru, Justine Bayiga, Mary Kyoita, Charlotte Mudoola.

The jury is still out on Uganda's 200 and 400 metre sprint queen, Justine Bayiga. Will her 2 month training stint be enough for her to storm her way onto the team? Watch this space.

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Lady Cranes for Dubai/South Africa

2008-11-18T21:36:00.000-08:00

David Mutaka and Robert Sseguya will soon be trimming their 19 woman squad to 12 as they prepare for the Dubai 7's in Dubai later this month and the Nelson Mandela Bay 7's in South Africa next month. Although neither of the trips have been confirmed the women rugby players are confident and all set to go.

The first set of trials were held on Saturday and the progress of 400 metre national sprint champion Justine Bayiga was keenly noted. Bayiga, who represented Uganda in the 400 metres at the 2008 Beijing summer Olympics, has recently traded her runners spikes for rugby boots and has been undergoing drills with the 7's squad for the past one month. Bayiga was called up to the team in a bid to inject some pace into the Lady Cranes' attack and if she can master the basics of the game she will be a lethal addition to the team.

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Final teams for the 2009 women's 7's RWC

2008-11-03T01:34:00.000-08:00

16 teams qualified for the world cup from 6 regions.

CONSUR (South America)
Brazil

FIRA-AER (Europe)
England
Netherlands
France
Russia
Spain
Italy

(CAR) AFRICA
South Africa
Uganda

(FORU) OCEANIA
Australia
New Zealand

ARFU (ASIA)
Japan
Thailand
China

NAWIRA (North America)
Canada
USA

There will be 4 pools of 4 teams and IRB has seeded 8 teams according to their relative strengths and how they performed in their regional qualifiers. The rest of the teams will be drawn randomly into the 4 pools.

seed 1 - England
seed 2 - Australia
seed 3 - Canada
seed 4 - New Zealand
seed 5 - Japan
seed 6 - Netherlands
seed 7 - South Africa
seed 8 - Brazil

Lady Cranes squad for the World Cup

2008-11-03T00:57:00.000-08:00

The URU/UWRA have recalled all the 12 players that recently qualified for the IRB women's 7's rugby world cup due in Dubai, March 5th to 7th 2009.

Christine Kizito, Josephine Namayega, Winnie Atyang, Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, Harriet Kayonjo(Thunderbirds), Fortunate Irankunda, Brenda Kayiyi, Prossy Nakakande, Helen Buteme (Black Panthers), Aliya Adania, Charlotte Mudoola and Mary Kyoita (Rangers) made history when they reached the main cup final of the African qualifier tournament thus booking a place at the inaugural IRB women's 7's rugby world cup and a place in Ugandan history. No other sport - men or women's - has succesfully qualified for a World Cup.

Asha Ssonko, Dorothy Nekesa, Rachel Kakaire, Agnes Nantongo, Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds), Claire Anena (Black Panthers) and Ugandan national 400m champion Justine Bayiga have earned call ups to David Mutaka and Robert Sseguya's training squad.

The women have already resumed training and are hoping to travel to South Africa and Dubai later this year and San Diego, USA early next year for build up tournaments as part of their world cup preparations.

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Lady Cranes get tips from down south

2008-10-22T00:53:00.000-07:00

The world cup bound Lady Cranes 7's team will benefit from a week long training session with former Springbok 7's coach, Norman Mbiko. The South African tactician arrived in the country last week and has already conducted a number of training sessions with the men's 7's team in a bid to boost their preparations for their qualifier tournament that will be in Tunisia next month. From the men, Mbiko will switch his attention to the ladies and leave coaches, David Mutaka and Robert Sseguya with tips for their charges before he returns to South Africa. Mbiko will be expected to return later in the year with the Emerging Springboks and the Sprinboks women's 7s coach Denver Wannies.

20 ladies have been called up for training for Uganda among them Ugandan national 400 metre sprint queen Justine Bayiga who will be expected to add pace to the team.

I will post the names of the squad as soon as I get hold of the list.

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Lady Cranes USPA winners for September

2008-10-07T23:44:00.000-07:00

The Lady Cranes 7's team were awarded the September Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) award for qualifying for the world cup. The journalists' decision to crown the women rugby players was unanimous and it is the first time that any team or individual have won the award unopposed.

Well done Lady Cranes.

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Lady Cranes qualify for the World Cup

2008-09-23T05:32:00.000-07:00

Lady Cranes lost 24 – 00 to South Africa in the finals of the World Cup qualifiers but will still travel to Dubai together with the Springboks to represent Africa at the inaugural IRB Women’s 7’s World Cup in March 2009. Lady Cranes made history as the first Ugandan sports team to qualify for a World Cup.

Lady Cranes started off their world cup campaign with dominant displays over Zimbabwe (30 – 00) and Botswana (48 – 00) before falling 12 – 05 to Tunisia. The Ugandan women were guilty of squandering their chances as they spent the first half camped in the Tunisian 22. They also failed to take advantage of their superior numbers when the Tunisian captain was yellow carded in the second half for a cynical foul. The Tunisians instead capitalized on mistakes from the Ugandans to score two tries and top the pool.

On the other hand, South Africa easily dispatched Uganda A (43 – 00), Zambia (31 – 00), and Kenya (34 – 05) to lead pool A. The top 4 teams were reseeded after the pool games according to number of games won and tries scored with South Africa going into the semifinals as top seeds, Tunisia second, Uganda third and Kenya fourth. The main cup/plate semifinals had South Africa taking on Kenya, and Uganda taking on Tunisia in what was a replay of the final games of the pool stages.

South Africa thumped Kenya 26 – 05 in the first semi final while Uganda edged Tunisia 07 – 00.

Other results:

Bowl/Shield semi-finals: Zambia beat Uganda A 26 – 10, while Zimbabwe beat Botswana 17 – 00.
Shield final: Uganda A beat Botswana 20 - 07.
Bowl final: Zambia beat Zimbabwe 38 – 00.
Plate Final: Kenya beat Tunisia 15 – 14.
Main Cup final: South Africa beat Uganda 24 – 00.

African IRB 7’s rugby world cup qualifiers

2008-09-19T05:04:00.000-07:00

The women’s IRB rugby world cup qualifiers for Africa kick off this weekend (20th and 21st September) at Kyadondo Rugby Club in Kampala, Uganda. The 2 available slots for Africa will be contested for by hosts Uganda, top seeds South Africa, Kenya, Tunisia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. The group stages will be held on Saturday followed by the knock out stages on Sunday. Madagascar and Cote d’Ivoire pulled out of the tournament due to financial constraints.

Coaches David Mutaka and Robert Sseguya selected a strong 12 woman squad that will be captained by Christine Kizito.

The Ugandan squad: Christine Kizito, Josephine Namayega, Winnie Atyang, Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, Harriet Kayonjo (Thunderbirds), Fortunate Irankunda, Brenda Kayiyi, Prossy Nakakande, Helen Buteme (Black Panthers), Charlotte Mudoola, Mary Kyoita, Aliya Adania (Rangers).

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2 weeks to the African World Cup 7's qualifiers

2008-09-07T05:38:00.000-07:00

The Lady Cranes had their second trials this weekend with head coach David Mutaka, assistant coach Robert Sseguya and the director of Uganda rugby, David Dobela looking to select the final 12 woman team for the IRB African World Cup qualifiers on the 20th and 21st September 2008 in Kampala, Uganda. 9 teams have confirmed their participation including top seeds South Africa, and last year's CAR semifinalists Kenya and Tunisia. Other countries that will take part are Botswana, Cote d'Ivoire, Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Mutaka will most likely pick his Lady Cranes squad from the following.

Forwards: Christine Kizito, *Josephine Namayega, Winnie Atyang, *Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, *Dorothy Nekesa, Stella Bakole (Thunderbirds), *Aliya Adania (Rangers), *Fortunate Irankunda, *Brenda Kayiyi ( Black Panthers)

Backs: *Prossy Nakakande, Helen Buteme (Black Panthers), Charlotte Mudoola, *Mary Kyoita (Rangers), Asha Ssonko, Harriet Kayonjo, Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds)

Mutaka will miss the services of Joan Andika (Rangers) on the wing as she picked up an injury in the first trials that will rule her out for the next 3 months.

*uncapped for 7's

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Kenyan women get first win against Ugandans

2008-08-22T01:27:00.000-07:00

The Ugandan and Kenyan women faced each other for the return leg of the Elgon Cup in sunny conditions at the RFUEA grounds on Ngong Road in Nairobi. The Kenyans kicked off to the Ugandans and followed the kick through to put pressure on the Lady Cranes. The pressure paid off as the Kenyans were eventually rewarded with a penalty after a high tackle by Helen Buteme. They opted to go for posts and Angela Olum kicked in 3 points to take an early lead in the 15th minute. Buoyed on by their early lead the Kenyan women kept their counterparts pinned in their 22 and in the 30th minute a mis – kick by Asha Ssonko into the opponents hands resulted in the ball going out wide to Kenyan winger, Irene Namayi who touched down to take the score up to 08 – 00. Surprisingly, Angela Olum missed the conversion and the opportunity to take their points up to 10.

The Ugandan pack was impressive and turned over ball in the scrums and dominated the lineouts through Stella Bakole and Ann Tumwine. Stella won all her lineouts and went one better by stealing a couple of the opposition line outs as well. The lanky number 8 topped off her sterling aerial performance with an inspired game at the base of the scrum and combined well with the scrumhalf Charlotte Mudoola who put in an excellent performance throughout the game. However, the Ugandan back line was flat and static meaning the fly half, Helen, had no platform from which to operate and was forced to kick away vital possession that the forwards had worked had to retain. The Kenyan backline on the other hand was well coordinated with fly half Doreen Remour working in tandem with her centres both in defence and attack. Just before half time, the Ugandans were awarded a penalty in front of the posts for an infringement in the ruck but Rachel Kakaire fluffed the easy kick meaning the Ugandans went into the halftime break trailing 08 – 00.

The second half saw the Ugandans piling pressure on the Kenyans through the forwards and they were rewarded with a penalty on the 5 minutes into the half. A quickly taken penalty saw Joan Andika scoring for Uganda. Rachel converted to bring the Ugandans one point behind the Kenyans. Kicks deep into Kenyan territory by Helen kept the Kenyans on the back foot and great retention of possession by the Ugandan forwards resulted in the Ugandans being awarded 2 penalties in front of the posts in the 65th and 75th minutes that Rachel slotted in to take the Ugandans ahead by 5 points. The match seesawed either way with neither team taking advantage of possession. In the last minute when the game was all but won for the Ugandans, the Kenyans turned over the ball after a pick and drive move off the scrum by the Ugandans and swung the ball out to the Irene Namayi on the wing who scored to level the game at 13 - 13. Angela Olum made no mistake this time and nailed the conversion to give the Kenyans their first win.

Irene Awino, standing in for the injured Anita Omondi at fullback for Kenya had an impressive game and was easily the player of the match.

The Ugandans however won the Elgon cup for 2008 as they had a higher aggregate, 31 – 22 (18 – 07 first leg, 13 – 15 second leg).

Attention now turns to the 7’s world cup qualifiers next month.

Uganda:
1 Fortunate Irankunda (Josephine Namayega)
2 Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi
3 Warry Nambirige
4 Christine Kizito (captain)
5 Anne Tumwine
6 Brenda Kayiyi (Winnie Atyang)
7 Dorothy Nekesa (Stella Kyalikunda)
8 Stella Bakole
9 Charlotte Mudoola
10 Helen Buteme
11 Sauda Adiru
12 Joan Namuyomba
13 Asha Ssonko (vice captain) (Harriet Kayonjo)
14 Joan Andika (Prossy Nakakande)
15 Rachel Kakaire
Replacements:
16 Stella Kyalikunda
17 Josephine Namayega
18 Winnie Atyang
19 Aliya Adania
20 Prossy Nakakande
21 Harriet Kayonjo
Officials: Sam Ahamya (coach)
Jackie Kigozi (tean manager)
Connie Olwit (team doctor)

Tries: Joan Andika (1)
Conversions: Rachel Kakaire (1)
Penalties: Rachel Kakaire (2)

Kenya:
1 Camylyn Awuor
2 Stacy Awuor
3 Agnes King’ori (Emily Achieng)
4 Millicent Opala
5 Rachael Adhiambo
6 Angela Olum
7 Adelaide Nasambu
8 Mary Otieno (Philadelphia Olando)
9 Mary Musieka
10 Doreen Remour
11 Rebecca Kerubo
12 Nereah Awino
13 Celestine Navalayo (captain)
14 Irene Namayi
15 Irene Awino
Replacements:
16 Rubina Wambui
17 Janet Midecha
18 Abadeen Shikhoyi
19 Kezia Adhiambo
20 Emily Achieng
21 Philadelphia Olando
22 Judy Ageng’o.
Officials: Sammy Kemmey (coach)
Josephine Were (team manager)
Gerald Omondi (physiotherapist)

Tries: Irene Namayi (2)
Conversions: Angela Olum (1)
Penalties: Angela Olum (1)
Yellow cards: Millicent Opalla

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Ugandan and Kenyan squads for Elgon Cup return leg

2008-08-14T01:58:00.000-07:00

Lady Cranes travel to Nairobi today for the return leg of the Elgon Cup that will be on August 16, 2008 at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground. Lady Cranes won the first encounter 18 -07 in May and have an 11 point difference. Ugandan coach Sam Ahamya has made just 2 changes to his squad: Harriet Kayonjo gets back into the squad to replace Hadija Namuyanja while Alice Nankyonyi makes room for Aliya Adania to earn her first cap.

The Lady Cranes’ squad

Forwards
Warry Nambirige (Rangers)
*Aliya Adania (Rangers)
Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers)
Fortunate Irankunda (Black Panthers)
Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi (Thunderbirds)
Ann Tumwine (Thunderbirds)
Christine Kizito – captain (Thunderbirds)
Dorothy Nekesa (Thunderbirds)
Stella Bakole (Thunderbirds)
Stella Kyalikunda (Thunderbirds)
Evelyn Aweku (Thunderbirds)
Josephine Namayega (Thunderbirds)
Winnie Atiang (Thunderbirds)

Backs
Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers)
Helen Buteme (Black Panthers)
Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers)
Joan Andika (Rangers)
Asha Ssonko – vice captain (Thunderbirds)
Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds)
Rachel Kakaire (Thunderbirds)
Joan Namuyomba (Thunderbirds)
Harriet Kayonjo (Thunderbirds)

Head Coach: Sam Ahamya
Assistant Coach: Ramsey Olinga
Team Manager: Jackie Kigozi
Team Doctor: Connie Olwit

Kenyan coach Sammy Kemmey has also made a few changes to his side as he loses the services of Anita Omondi through injury but Rebecca Kerubo gets the nod and will earn her first cap for Kenya. This time round Kemmey has paid special attention to the lineouts, a department in which Uganda dominated and has instructed his kickers to go for territory to relieve pressure as much as possible.

The Kenyan squad

Forwards
Emily Achieng (Mwamba Invaders)
Camilyne Awuor (Mwamba Invaders)
Mary Atieno (Mwamba Invaders)
Angela Olum (Mwamba Invaders)
Millicent Opalla (Mwamba Invaders)
Aberdeen Shikhoyi (Mwamba Invaders)
Philadelphia Olando (Mwamba Invaders)
Agnes Wambui (Mwamba Invaders)
Yvonne Makwali (Mwamba Invaders)
Adelaide Nasambu (Rovers)
Stacy Awuor (Vivi Girls)
Janet Midecha (Vivi Girls)

Backs
Mary Musieka (Mwamba Invaders)
Doreen Remour (Mwamba Invaders)
Nereah Awino (Mwamba Invaders)
Celestine Navalayo (captain) (Mwamba Invaders)
*Rebecca Kerubo (Mwamba Invaders)
Irene Namayi (Rovers)
Judy Agengo (Rovers)
Rachael Adhiambo (Rovers)
Robina Wambui (Vivi Girls)
Kezia Awuor (Vivi Girls)

Coach: Sammy Kemmey
Team manager: Mike Mwanja
Team Physiotherapist: Gerald Omondi

* denotes first cap

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Elgon Cup return leg

2008-08-11T01:07:00.000-07:00

The Lady Cranes 15 aside team is this week finalising its preparations for the return leg of the Elgon Cup scheduled for 16th August in Nairobi, Kenya. Lady Cranes won the Kampala fixture 18 - 07 and will be looking to win away from home although they will have to counter the vocal Kenyan fans. Lady Cranes narrowly beat the Kenyans 03 -00 in 2006 in Nairobi.

I have not yet got information on the final 15's squad but will post it as soon as I get it.

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Black Panthers top 7's series, South Africa cancel 7's tournament

2008-07-28T00:20:00.000-07:00

Black Panthers topped the UWRA women's 7's series after winning the last tournament on July 19th. They were crowned the women's 7's champions with Thunderbirds settling for second place. Rangers finished the 3 team series in third position.

Meanwhile, it is bad news again for David Mutaka and the Lady Cranes 7's team as South Africa has cancelled the international 7's tournament that was scheduled to take place from 7th to 9th August. England, Australia and USA were among the teams that had confirmed their participation and Uganda was hoping to use the tournament to gauge themselves.

In other news, Sam Ahamya is taking the 15 aside team through their drills in preparation for the return leg of the Elgon Cup that will be held in Nairobi on August 16th. South African, Eugenia Daniels, will be the centre referee.

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UWRA 7's series

2008-07-17T23:12:00.000-07:00

As the UWRA 7's series draws to a close, Black Panthers are the surprise leaders after winning the last 2 tournaments. Thunderbirds are closely behind and Rangers is a distant third.

The UWRA 7's tournaments have been a revelation with previously unknown players such as Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers), Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers), Mary Kyoita (Rangers), Aliya Adania (Rangers) and 15 year old sensation Regina Athieno (Black Panthers) making their mark on the women's game.

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South Africa 7's and Elgon Cup

2008-07-17T22:54:00.000-07:00

Although the names have not yet been officially released, a squad of 20 players are undergoing fitness drills under Doctor Arthur Kwizera. David Mutaka is preparing his squad for the international 7's tournament that will be held in South Africa next month. England, USA and Australia are some of the top teams from outside of Africa that the Ugandan ladies will face. The tournament will be an important build up for the Lady Cranes before the World Cup qualifiers where they shall battle it out with South Africa, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Tunisia, Zambia and Zimbabwe for one of the two slots alloted to Africa.

The 15 aside national team is also training under Sam Ahamya and Ramsey Olinga for the return leg of the Elgon Cup that will held on 16th August in Nairobi. Ahamya is working on strengthening his squad at the breakdowns as the Kenyans were a notch superior in that aspect of the game.

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Uganda triumph over Kenya in Elgon Cup curtain raiser

2008-05-26T02:48:00.000-07:00

The Ugandan women (Lady Cranes) hosted their Kenyan counterparts at Kampala Rugby Club on 24th May in a curtain raiser game to the men's international. The Kenyan women kicked off and for the first 10 minutes the Ugandan players were locked in their 22 as they fumbled their passes and made numerous handling errors and seemed to be a collective bundle of nerves. The Ugandans eventually settled into the game and the back 3 were easily able to field the kicks from Kenyan fly half Doreen Remour and begun to punish the Kenyans for giving away possession with well placed kicks by Helen Buteme and Rachel Kakaire over their isolated fullback making it hard for them to advance out of their 22.

Ugandan captain Christine Kizito led her troops from the front when she made several runs through the Kenyans and was unlucky to be stopped short of the try line each time. The Kenyan pack dominated the scrums making it difficult for the Ugandan scrumhalf Joan Andika to get clean ball away to her backs. In the lineouts Stella Bakole won all her balls and succeeded in stealing half of the Kenyans throws while in open play the Ugandan backs and forwards dominated and the Kenyans soon succumbed to pressure and gave away numerous penalties. Rachel Kakaire missed an easy kick from infront of the posts but made up for it by slotting another penalty to put the hosts ahead 03-00. A penalty on the 5 resulted in a try after Joan Andika tapped and passed it to hard hitting Fortunate Irankunda who drove over the try line. Kakaire easily converted it to take the score to 10-00. The Kenyan fullback, Anita Omondi, was given a yellow card for punching Joan Andika while the Ugandan scrumhalf was also sent to the sin bin for retaliating meaning that both teams were down to 14 players for 10 minutes just before the break. A series of slick passes between Charlotte Mudoola, Hadija Namuyanja and Helen Buteme set up vice captain Asha Ssonko who broke 3 tackles and then made a 50 metre run to score in the corner. Kakaire missed the conversion and the Lady Cranes went into the break 15 - 00 ahead.

The second half saw Lady Cranes dominating possession but despite that the scrumhalf was still unable to get the ball out to the backs and Lady Cranes were unable to create any real try scoring opportunities. The Kenyan scrumhalf, Mary Musieka caused all sorts of trouble for the Ugandan girls (both in defence and attack) and supplied good ball to her flyhalf. In a rare foray into the Ugandan's 5, the Kenyan girls got their first points ever against Uganda (in 15 aside rugby) when the referee awarded a penalty try for a high tackle by Kakaire on their winger Irene Namayi. Angela Olum converted to bring the scores to 15-07. This revitalised the Kenyans and quick hands down the back line released Doreen Remour (the Kenyan player of the day) who looked sure to score after breaking 2 tackles and making a 40 metre sprint down the wing. Unluckily for the Kenyans, Remour was chased down by Helen Buteme and tackled in the 5 off the pitch. That was the closest the Kenyans got to scoring and spent the remainder of the game in their half. In the last minute of the game, Rachel Kakaire nailed another penalty to end the game at 18 - 07. The return leg will be held in August in Nairobi on a date yet to be confirmed.

Lady Cranes

1. Warry Nambirige (Rangers)
2. Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi (Thunderbirds)
3. Fortunate Irankunda (Black Panthers)
4. Ann Tumwine (Thunderbirds)
5. Christine Kizito (captain) (Thunderbirds)
6. *Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers)
7. Dorothy Nekesa (Thunderbirds)
8. Stella Bakole (Thunderbirds)
9. Joan Andika (Rangers)
10. Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers)
11. Asha Ssonko (vice captain) (Thunderbirds)
12. Hadija Namuyanja (Rangers)
13. Helen Buteme (Black Panthers)
14. Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds)
15. Rachel Kakire (Thunderbirds)
16. Stella Kyalikunda (Thunderbirds)
17. Alice Nakyonyi (Thunderbirds)
18. Evelyn Aweku (Thunderbirds)
19. Josephine Namayega (Thunderbirds)
20. Winnie Atyang (Thunderbirds)
21. *Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers)
22. Joan Namuyomba (Thunderbirds)

Coach: Sam Ahamya
Assistant: Ramsey Olinga

Tries: Fortunate Irankunda (1), Asha Ssonko (1)
Conversions: Rachel Kakaire (1)
Penalties: Rachel Kakaire (2)
Yellow cards: Joan Andika

Replacements: Stella Kyalikunda for Brenda Kayiyi, Winnie Atyang for Dorothy Nekesa, Josephine Namayega for Ann Tumwine, Alice Nankyonyi for Warry Nambirige and Joan Namuyomba for Joan Andika.

Kenya

1. Emily Achieng (Mwamba Invaders)
2. Camilyne Awuor (Mwamba Invaders)
3. Mary Atieno (Mwamba Invaders)
4. Angela Olum (Mwamba Invaders)
5. *Millicent Opalla (Mwamba Invaders)
6. Aberdeen Shikhoyi (Mwamba Invaders)
7. Philadelphia Olando (Mwamba Invaders)
8. Adeline Nasambu (Rovers)
9. Mary Musieka (Mwamba Invaders)
10. Doreen Remour (Mwamba Invaders)
11. Irene Namayi (Rovers)
12. Judy Agengo (Rovers)
13. Nereah Awino (Mwamba Invaders)
14. Celestine Navalayo (captain) (Mwamba Invaders)
15. Anita Omondi (Mwamba Invaders)
16. *Stacy Awuor (Vivi Girls)
17. Dorcas Ndanu (Rovers)
18. *Janet Midecha (Vivi Girls)
19. Rachael Adhiambo (Rovers)
20. Yvonne Makwali (Mwamba Invaders)
21. *Rubina Wambui (Vivi Girls)
22. *Kezia Awuor (Vivi Girls)

Coach: Sammy Kemmey

Tries: Penalty try
Conversions: Angela Olum (1)
Yellow cards: Anita Omondi

Replacements: Stacy Awuor for Emily Achieng, Yvonne Makwali for Aberdeen Shikhoyi and Kezia Awuor for Judy Agengo.

* denotes first 15 aside caps

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Kyadondo 7's postponed

2008-05-14T22:29:00.000-07:00

The annual Kyadondo 7's tournament has been postponed from May 17th to June 21st as the Kenyan and Rwandan teams invited were yet to confirm their participation. The Kenyan club sides have the bulk of their players in the Kenyan national team set to play Lady Cranes in Kampala on May 24th. The dates of the Kyadondo 7's and the Elgon are too close to allow the clubs and KRFU to plan properly for both the trips.

Meanwhile, Thunderbirds currently leads the UWRA womens 7's 3 team league with 18 points, closely followed by Black Panthers on 16 points with Rangers at the bottom with 11 points. The league has taken a break as the players prepare for the Elgon Cup.

Christine Kizito takes over as MVP

2008-05-14T22:08:00.000-07:00

At the long delayed 2007 URU gala night on 10th May, the Lady Cranes 7's team was lauded for their display in 2007 but were exhorted to go one better and dethrone South Africa as the African 7's champions and qualifiy for the 2009 IRB 7's world cup. South African David Dobela will be returning to Uganda to assist David Mutaka in the women's bid to qualify for the world cup. The top two African women's teams in the qualifiers to be held in September in Uganda will represent Africa at the world cup. In a bid to boost the 7's squad, Uganda Telecom has pledged sponsorship for the women's 7's team.

In the awards part of the night, Christine Kizito beat nominees Charlotte Mudoola and Helen Buteme to take the women's Most Valuable Player award becoming the 3rd woman to take home the coveted trophy. In an effort to encourage the development of womens rugby URU introduced the Most Promising Player award for the women which was taken by Aliya Adania.

Past MVPs:

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

Most Promising Player:

2007 - Aliya Adania

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Elgon Cup tie against Kenya first on the agenda for Lady Cranes

2008-05-07T04:19:00.000-07:00

A squad of 31 players selected from Rangers, Thunderbirds and Black Panthers are currently undergoing intense drills 4 times a week under the coaching duo of Sam Ahamya and Ramsey Olinga as they ready themselves for what is billed to be a titanic clash against neighbouring rivals Kenya in a 15 aside curtain raiser game during the Elgon Cup on May 24th in Kampala. Over the years, the Kenyan women have narrowed the gap between the two countries and Ahamya is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the Lady Cranes are well prepared for the first international game of the year. Christine Kizito, Charlotte Mudoola and Helen Buteme are some of the players that are expected to spearhead the Lady Cranes’ quest for victory.

The full list of Lady Cranes players:

PROPS:

Christine Kizito (Thunderbirds)

Alice Nakyonyi (Thunderbirds)

Evelyn Aweku (Thunderbirds)

Warry Nambirige (Rangers)

Fortunate Irankunda (Black Panthers)

HOOKERS:

Stella Kyalikunda (Thunderbirds)

*Aliya Adania (Rangers)
*Mariam Akello (Thunderbirds)

LOCKS:

Winnie Atyang (Thunderbirds)

Stella Abeja (Thunderbirds)

Ann Tumwine (Thunderbirds)

Josephine Namayega (Thunderbirds)

*Hellen Gizamba (Black Panthers)

*Claire Anena (Black Panthers)

BACK ROW:

Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi (Thunderbirds)

Stella Bakole (Thunderbirds)

Dorothy Nekesa (Thunderbirds)

Mary Nakanyike (Thunderbirds)

*Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers)

SCRUMHALVES:

Joan Andika (Rangers)

*Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers)

FLYHALVES:

Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers)

Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds)

CENTRES:

Harriet Kayonjo (Thunderbirds)

Joan Namuyomba (Thunderbirds)

Hadija Namuyanja (Rangers)

Helen Buteme (Black Panthers)

WINGERS:

Asha Ssonko (Thunderbirds)

Rachel Kakaire (Thunderbirds)

*Hamida Nankabirwa (Rangers)

*Mary Kyoita (Rangers)

* denotes uncapped players for the 15 aside game.

Meanwhile, across the border, the Kenyan women are being taken through their paces by Sammy Kemmey and Benjamin Ayimba. Some of the players in training are Angela Olum, Celestine Masinde, Anita Omondi, Doreen Remour, Yvonne Makwali, Nereah Awino, Camilyn Awuor, Irene Awuor, Mary Otieno, Mary Musieka, Philadelphia Olando, Dorcas Ndanu, Robina Wambui, Millicent Opalla, Abadeen Shikhoyi, Irene Namayi, Laventa Otieno, Judy Asiyo, Peris Mukoko, Sarah Otieno, Alice Akinyi, Samantha Mary, Maureen Minayo, Judy Agengo, Janet Midecha, Rachel Adhiambo, Kezia Achieng, Florence Awuor, Adelaide Nasambu, Caroline Nyambura and Stacey Awuor. Key players Irene Nyakundi and Linda Anyango are doubtful for the fixture as they both have knee injuries that may require surgery.

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Women's 7's Cup in South Africa

2008-04-17T04:06:00.000-07:00

South Africa Rugby Union (SARU) has invited the Lady Cranes to participate in the inaugural Africa Women’s Cup 7’s Tournament being held in East London from the 7th to 9th August 2008. 16 teams tournament from all around the world have been invited: South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Tunisia, Morroco, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, England, Wales, France, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Samoa. The organizers see this high profile rugby tournament as an opportunity for teams to prepare for the IRB7’s World Cup in 2009. The final day of the tournament (9th August) also coincides with the South African National Women’s Day.

After opting out of the Tunisia Easter tournament due to lack of funds, the Lady Cranes will be glad to have a chance to get some games under their belts before the African World Cup qualifiers that are slated for September.

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Rugby World Cup Sevens qualifiers announced

2008-03-20T05:37:00.000-07:00

According to an article on the IRB.COM website, Rugby World Cup Limited has confirmed the locations and the dates for the remaining Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 Qualifying Tournaments. Brazil was the first team to qualify for the women’s World Cup after winning the South America qualifier that was held in Uruguay in January this year. 15 more teams are left to qualify for the inaugural women’s competition. In addition to Brazil, two qualifiers will come from Africa, two from North America, three from Asia, six from Europe and two from Oceania.
• Europe - Limoges, France, June 14/15
• Oceania – Samoa, July 25/26
• Africa - Uganda, September 20/21
• Asia - Hong Kong, October 4/5
• North America and Caribbean - Bahamas, October 25/26

Meanwhile 10 teams have been invited to compete in the African qualifier:

South Africa
Uganda
Tunisia
Kenya
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Madagascar
Cote d’Ivoire
Botswana
Nigeria

Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi will not participate in the qualifiers as they are not IRB members.

In other news, Uganda pulled out of the CAR North tournament that is being held this Easter weekend in Tunisia due to financial constraints. This was a blow to the team as it was probably its only chance to play decent opposition before the World Cup qualifiers.

Women's qualifiers challenge

2008-02-25T01:25:00.000-08:00

The 2 African slots will be fiercely competed for by the top 5 nations in the 7's world cup qualifiers to be held this year. Reigning champs South Africa will have to fight off a stiff challenge from Uganda (2), Kenya (3), Tunisia (4) and Zambia (5). Other teams that will take part in the qualifiers are Rwanda, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria.

Earlier this month, South Africa travelled to San Diego for build up games against the American and Canadian national teams as well as select USA and Canadian sides. Kenya and Uganda have been invited for the Tunis 7's to be held on March 21 and 22. The KRFU director in-charge of national squads revealed that it was an important invitation as the women needed quality tournaments to help in their prepartations for the Rugby World Cup qualifiers. The Ugandans also intend to use the Tunis 7's as a build up for the qualifiers.

The Lady Cranes under David Mutaka are *Alia Adania (Rangers), Joan Andika (Rangers), Helen Buteme (Black Panthers), *Fortunate Irankunda (Black Panthers), Rachel Kakaire (Thunderbirds), *Brenda Kayi (Black Panthers), Harriet Kayonjo (Thunderbirds), Christine Kizito (Thunderbirds), Stella Kyalikunda (Thunderbirds), *Loy Mbabazi (Black Panthers), Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers), *Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers), *Josephine Namayega (Thunderbirds), Hadijah Namuyanja(Rangers), *Dorothy Nekesa (Thunderbirds), Asha Ssonko (Thunderbirds), and Ann Tumwine (Thunderbirds).

*denotes an uncapped player (uncapped for 7's).

2008 season so far

2008-01-22T06:02:00.000-08:00

After a long break following the end of the Ugandan women’s 2007 rugby season, ugrugbychiclet is back. Not much to report but here goes:

According to the fixtures released by URU the annual Kampala Womens CAR 7’s tournament will be on June 21st and 22nd and two 15 aside games against Kenya on May 24th (home) and August 9th (away) as curtain raisers for the men’s Elgon Cup internationals. These games (for both the women and the men) may be in doubt though following the current political situation in Kenya at present. Kenya has been ravaged by violence since the last week of December 2007 after controversial presidential elections.

Meanwhile, URU has appointed David Mutaka to take over as the Lady Cranes 7 aside coach from Herbert Wafula who resigned last year. David Mutaka represented Uganda in both the 7 aside and 15 aside codes before retiring in 2006. Mutaka has a giant task ahead of him to ensure that the Lady Cranes qualify for the 7’s World Cup. If successful, Lady Cranes will be the ever first Ugandan team (across all sports- both female and male) to qualify for a World Cup.

In related news from around the globe, Brazil beat Argentina 45 – 00 in the final of the CONSUR (South American) qualifier to become the first country to qualify for 2009’s Women’s World Cup 7’s. The FIRA-AER (European) qualifier will be held in Limoges on June 14th and 15th – 6 teams will qualify from this event. The NAWIRA (North American and Caribbean) qualifier will be in the Bahamas on October 25th and 26th (2 teams will qualify) while the hosting countries and the dates of the ARFU (Asian – 3 teams will qualify), CAR (African – 2 teams will qualify) and FORU (Oceania – 2 teams will qualify) qualifiers and are yet to be announced.

ugrugbychiclet

Inadequate funding frustrates women's rugby in Africa

2007-10-16T05:35:00.000-07:00

The development of women's rugby in Africa is hampered by the lack of support from their rugby unions or their governments. Uganda fares slightly better than her neighbours (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi) in that the chairperson of the Uganda Women's Rugby Association sits on the Uganda Rugby Union executive committee and can influence decisions (financial and otherwise) that affect women's rugby. The Ugandan government is disinterested in sports and slashes the sports budget every year (most of the budget goes to football anyway). Both the URU and UWRA therefore have an uphill task to develop and sustain men and women's rugby on a shoestring budget (most of it catered for by IRB development funds and sponsorship from corporate bodies). At the end of the day, men's rugby takes first priority and a huge chunk of the limited resources.

In Kenya, the Kenya Rugby Football Union only financed the women's 7's teams for the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) 7's tournaments in 2006 and 2007 after pressure from CAR. The Kenya women's rugby body formed this year is not recognised by KRFU. Rwanda and Burundi lack technical expertise (coaches and managers) although their rugby unions are keen to develop women's rugby and provide financial assistance to the women when they can.

This situation is not unique to East Africa. Recently, South African women rugby players complained that they receive virtually no support from the South African Rugby Union and have to rely on the government for financial aid. SARU and the South African Rugby Players' Association do not give women the same support as men as women rugby players have no professional contraacts therefore play rugby only for 'fun'.

It is against this background that the first international 15 aside game between Uganda (Lady Cranes) and South Africa (Lady Springboks) that was being organised to take place between late October and early December 2007 in either South Afirca or Uganda is unlikely to kick off as neither team can afford to travel. With the IRB 7's African World Cup Qualifiers next year, and only 2 African teams going through to the 2009 IRB 7's World Cup, Lady Cranes and Lady Springboks have to choose between the exciting prospect of a 15 aside game or saving the little they have for preparations for their respective 7 aside squads.

ugrugbychiclet

Sam Ahamya new Lady Cranes 15 aside coach

2007-09-03T01:11:00.000-07:00

The URU has appointed Sam Ahamya to take over from James Park as the Lady Cranes 15 aside coach. Ahamya brings a wealth of experience to the women's team having coached Uganda's U19 and U21 men's teams as well as 2007 Uganda Cup club champions G4S Pirates.

Frustrated by the Kenya Rugby Football Union's lack of interest in Kenya - Uganda women's 15 aside internationals, URU will attempt to go south and has South Africa and Zambia in its sights. South African David Dobela (Uganda's technical director) is currently organising a 15 aside friendly against his former charges - the Lady Springboks. The date of the match is yet to be confirmed but will most likely be held in October. Lady Cranes started training preparations on 29th August and had the first set of trials on 1st September.

36 players from Black Panthers, Rangers and Thunderbirds have been called up:

PROPS
Evelyn Aweku (Thunderbirds)
Lillian Ikulumet (Thunderbirds)
Fortunate Irankunda (Black Panthers)
Christine Kizito (Thunderbirds)
Alice Nakyonyi (Thunderbirds)
Susan Nambozo (Black Panthers)
Warry Nambirige (Rangers)

HOOKERS
Alia Adania (Rangers)
Mariam Akello (Thunderbirds)
Stella Kyalikunda (Thunderbirds)

Asher Namubiru (Black Panthers)

LOCKS
Stella Abeja (Thunderbirds)
Claire Anena (Black Panthers)
Winnie Atyang (Thunderbirds)

Josephine Namayega (Thunderbirds)
Ann Tumwine (Thunderbirds)

BACK ROW
Stella Bakole (Thunderbirds)

Loy Mbabazi (Black Panthers)

Mary Nakanyike (Thunderbirds)
Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi (Thunderbirds)
Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers)
Brenda Kyomugisha (Thunderbirds)

SCRUM HALVES
Joan Andika (Rangers)
Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers)
Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers)
Hope Nambatya (Rangers)

FLY HALVES
Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds)
Helen Buteme (Black Panthers)

CENTRES
Harriet Kayonjo (Thunderbirds)
Hadija Namuyanja (Rangers)
Joan Namuyomba (Thunderbirds)

WINGERS
Rachel Kakaire (Thunderbirds)
Agnes Nantongo (Thunderbirds)

Dorothy Nekesa (Thunderbirds)
Patience Onziema (Rangers)
Asha Ssonko (Thunderbirds)

Susan Nambozo, Alia Adania, Mariam Akello, Asher Namubiru, Claire Anena, Josephine Namayega, Loy Mbabazi, Brenda Kayiyi, Brenda Kyomugisha and Agnes Nantongo are looking for their first 15's caps.

KRFU call off women's international

2007-08-07T02:27:00.001-07:00

The KRFU has called off the Kenya versus Uganda women's game that was scheduled to take place on 11th August prior to the men's Elgon Cup decider claiming lack of funds. This comes as a huge disappointment to both teams as they were looking forward to renewing their rivalry on the pitch.

The Kenyan women had held their trial games on 28th July at the KCB grounds in Nairobi, while the Ugandans had held their trails on the same date at the Kampala Rugby Football Club.

This is the second time KRFU has put a spanner in the works, the first time being in May when they declined to send a women's 15 aside team to Uganda claiming all their key players were tied up with preparations for the CAR 7's.

Women ruggers hold trials for Elgon Cup

2007-07-30T00:58:00.000-07:00

The KRFU have invited Lady Cranes to curtain rasie the men's return match of the Elgon Cup. The much anticipated clash between the traditional rivals is slated for 11th August at the RFUEA grounds in Nairobi.

The trials were held at Kampala Rugby Club and pitted Thunderbirds versus a combined force of Rangers and Black Panthers. The Rangers-Black Panthers went into the game as clear underdogs with 50 - 00 plus scores being predicted. The Rangers-Black Panthers surprised the Thunderbirds and spectors alike with their determined defence.

The Thunderbirds dominated in the lineouts and scrumdowns however the smaller Rangers-Black Panthers pack held their own in the rucks and mauls. The Rangers-Black Panthers back line was sharper than the Thunderbird backs with flying winger Patience Onziema cauing havoc along the touchline. The Rangers-Black Panthers were unfortunate not to have adequate possession to create enough try scoring opportunities as the Thunderbirds pinned them in their own half most of the game.

The Rangers-Black Panthers worked as a unit in defence and were quick to the breakdown and made every tackle count. The scores remained at 08-00 up until the last 20 minutes of the game when the Rangers-Black Panthers could not withstand the big hits anymore and let in 4 tries in quick succession.

Although the final score was 30 - 00 (5tries, 1conversion, 1penalty) to the Thunderbirds their overall game lacked creativity and they had to rely on their superior size and playing experience to subdue the plucky Rangers-Black Panthers.

Thunderbirds giants Winnie Atyang and Christine Kizito - both playing at centre - stood out for Thunderbirds with their big hits and runs while dimunitive backs, Charlotte Mudoola at fly half (Rangers), Hadija Namuyanja at centre(Rangers), Patience Onziema (Rangers) and Helen Buteme at full back(Black Panthers) as well as flanker Loy Mbabazi (Black Panthers) and lock Hellen Gizamba (Black Panthers) contained the Thunderbirds centres with crunching tackles and snuffed out other potential threats to their try line to keep the score line decent . The game was closely watched by Uganda's technical director David Dobela who will be involved in selecting and coaching the Lady Cranes XV's squad.

UWRA elections

2007-07-24T02:45:00.000-07:00

The Uganda WOmen's Rugby Association (UWRA) held their elections last week. The following were elected to serve on the UWRA Executive Committee.

Chairperson: Irene Namapii
Vice: Immy Mudoola
Treasurer: Jeroline Akubu
Secreatry: Monica Lukwiya
Members: Christine Kizito
Hadija Namuyanja
Pamela Wafula

School girl national 7's

2007-07-24T02:39:00.000-07:00

The school girls national 7's championships were held this month in Lira, home of the highest number of school girls teams in Uganda. St. Katherine's and Lira Integrated fielded an A and B side each while Bright Light, Almond College and Aduku S.S. each fielded one team.

St. Katherine's B won the plate final while St. Katherine's A lifted teh main cup trophy to become the overall champions.

Charlotte Mudoola climbs up the ranks

2007-06-26T00:23:00.000-07:00

Charlotte Mudoola went one step better from her international officiating debut where she run touch for Zambian referee Chris Mwamba during last month's men's international fixture between Uganda and Kenya at Kyadondo Rugby Club.

While 44th ranked Uganda made history at Kampala Rugby Club on 23rd June by beating Namibia who are 24th in the IRb world rankings, Charlotte Mudoola was creating history of her own. Centre referee Mark Lawrence from South Africa presented Charlotte with a rare chance to run touch when he collided with a Namibian player in the first half sustaining a deep gash on his head. Although he was temporarily patched up and he continued refereeing until the end of the first half the cut was serious and required stitches so at the half time break he handed over to one of his fellow touch judges from South Africa. Luckily enough, Charlotte was on standby and the second half saw her running touch in her second IRB sanctioned men's international.

Well done Charlotte!!!

ugrugbychiclet

CAR 7's results

2007-06-18T01:34:00.001-07:00

This year's CAR 7's had 10 teams from 8 countries. South Africa, Uganda, Tunisia and Kenya established themselves as the top 4 teams (in 7 aside rugby) in Africa by reaching the main cup semis. Below is a summary of the day.

POOL A

South Africa

Kenya

Zambia

Burundi

Uganda Select

POOL B

Uganda

Tunisia

Rwanda

Tukkies University (Pretoria - South Africa)

Zimbabwe

South Africa won all it's preliminary games to top Pool A while Kenya lost only to South Africa to become second. Uganda Select beat both Zambia and Burundi to finish 3rd and Zambia finished 4th after beating Burundi. Burundi did not win any games and were locked out of the remainder of the tournament.

In Pool B, Uganda won all it's games to book a main cup semi final with SA while Tunisia met up with Kenya in the other main cup semi. Rwanda lost all it's games and joined Burundi in being relegated to a spectators role while Tukkies beat Rwanda and Zimbabwe to finish 3rd and earn a plate semi final berth against Zambia. Zimbabwe beat Rwanda to end up fourth in Pool B and so met with Uganda Select in the 2nd plate semi.

Zambia beat Tukkies 26 - 05 while Uganda Select beat Zimbabwe 36 - 00. Zambia and Uganda Select met for the 2nd time that day and in a repeat of last year's plate final. Zambia won the plate final last year and were keen to repeat the same feat and avenge their earlier defeat by Uganda in the day. Zambia turned the tables on Uganda Select and won the final 21 - 05.

In the main cup semi's, Uganda beat Kenya 14 - 00 courtesy of 2 tries by Helen Buteme and 2 conversions by Rachel Kakaire. South Africa hammered Tunisia 34 - 00 to set up a rematch of last year's main cup final.

In the main cup final Uganda scored first through Christine Kizito. The try was converted by Rachel Kakaire to put Uganda ahead 07 - 00. At half time the score was still 07 - 00 but after the break South Africa came out guns blazing and scored 4 unconverted tries through Natasha Hoffmeester (2), Saloma Booysen and Nomtha Xape.

Helen Buteme (Uganda) finished the tournament as the top try scorer with 11 tries. Marlize Jordaan, Saloma Booysen (both South Africa) and Agness Mtambalika (Zambia) had 7 tries each. Natasha Hoffmeester (South Africa) was awarded the tournament MVP title.

The next CAR tournament will be in 2008 and will be used as a qualification tournament for the 2009 IRB World Cup 7's in Dubai. CAR is yet to announce the hosting country. South Africa, Uganda and Tunisia are all keen to host the event.

ugrugbychiclet

Lady Cranes pooled with Tunisia, Rwanda

2007-06-14T23:56:00.000-07:00

URU has released the draws for tomorrow's (Saturday June 16th) CAR women's 7's tournament. A total of 8 countries have been pooled in 2 pools. South Africa are the tournament's top seeds while hosts Uganda are second seeds. Tunisia and Kenya are seeded 3rd and 4th respectively.

POOL A
South Africa
Kenya
Zambia
Burundi

POOL B
Uganda
Tunisia
Rwanda
Zimbabwe

Uganda, Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe are already at the Hotel Equatoria where they will be hosted for the duration of the tournament. South Africa, Rwanda, and Burundi are expected to arrive in teh country tonight.

ugrugbychiclet

LADY CRANES SQUAD ANNOUNCED

2007-06-13T23:58:00.000-07:00

Herbert Wafula announced his squad of 10 that will battle it out with other African countries in the 2nd edition of the Confederation of Africa (CAR) women’s 7’s tournament to be held this Saturday, 16th June at the Kyadondo Rugby Club grounds. Rosenberg Kanyunyuzi (Thunderbirds), Frankline Najjumba (Black Panthers), and Mary Nakanyike (Thunderbirds) have been dropped from the team. The ladies go into camp at Hotel Equatoria today (Thursday). Below is the Lady Cranes squad:

1. Joan Andika (Rangers)
2. Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds)
3. Winnie Atyang - Captain (Thunderbirds)
4. Helen Buteme (Black Panthers)
5. Rachel Kakaire (Thunderbirds)
6. Christine Kizito (Thunderbirds)
7. Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers)
8. Hadija Namuyanja - Vice captain (Rangers)
9. Asha Ssonko (Thunderbirds)
10. Ann Tumwine (Thunderbirds)

Head coach: Herbert Wafula
Assistant coach: Timothy Mudoola
Fitness & nutrition coach: Fredrick Mudoola
Team manager: Jackie Kigozi
Team doctor: Ambrose Ejalu

The other participating countries arrive in Kampala today. They will also be hosted at Hotel Equatoria by the Uganda Rugby Union (URU). The tournament kicks off at 09.00am with the group stages. Uganda’s biggest threats are South Africa, Tunisia and Kenya.

ugrugbychiclet

Lady Cranes at the Tusker Safari 7's - Kenya

2007-06-12T03:32:00.000-07:00

Lady Cranes had mixed fortunes at the just concluded Tusker Safari 7's in Nairobi. The team arrived in the Kenyan capital in the wee hours of Friday (8th June) morning having spent the better part of Thursday afternoon and night on the bumpy road between Kampala and Nairobi. The women's category included Mwamba Invaders and Rovers (both Kenyan Club sides) and Keele University (England).

Rosenberg Kanyunyuzi earned her first 7's cap for Uganda during this tournament. The Lady Cranes' squad for the Safari 7's was Joan Andika, Sauda Adiru, Winnie Atyang (Captain), Rachel Kakaire, Rosenberg Kanyunyuzi, Christine Kizito, Charlotte Mudoola, Mary Nakanyike, Hadija Namuyanja (Vice captain), Asha Ssonko and Ann Tumwine.

Lady Cranes' first game was on Friday afternoon and inspite of having barely had a chance to recover from their 16 hour bus ride, they thumped the Rovers 33 - 05, thrashed Keele 50 - 00 before dismissing Invaders 29 - 05. The key game of the day for both Kenya and Uganda was against the Invaders as they provide almost all of the players for Kenya's 7's national team squad and the game could be used to asses both teh teams' performance. Invaders won their games against Keele and Rovers and a rematch against Lady Cranes was set up for the final on Saturday morning.

Unfortunately for Lady Cranes, the Invaders came back a much revamped team and a repeat of Friday's results was not destined to happen. The game was scoreless up until the dying seconds of the game when the Invaders broke through and scored a try. The end score was 05 - 00 to the Invaders.

Lady Cranes coach, Herbert Wafula, will announce his final squad of Lady Cranes players this week.

ugrugbychiclet

CAR 7's teams participation update

2007-06-06T01:30:00.000-07:00

So far 9 teams have confirmed participation in the CAR 7's to be held in Kampala on the 16th June 2007. The teams are Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tunisia and University of Pretoria (South Africa). Uganda Select is on standby in case Cote d' Ivoire and Nigeria do not confirm their participation or if one of the confirmed teams pulls out.

ugrugbychiclet

Lady Cranes to go for Safari 7's this weekend

2007-06-06T01:07:00.000-07:00

Lady Cranes under the tutelage of Herbert Wafula and Fred Mudoola are looking good and are raring to go. Intensive fitness sessions with Mudoola have the team faster and fitter than ever before while Wafula has been working on general ball skills and game planning. With just over a week left to the 2nd edition of the CAR 7’s (16th June), Wafula has dropped 4 players and is working with 13 ladies before he makes the final cut to 10. Those dropped were Stella Bakole, Harriet Kayonjo, Stella Kyalikunda and Dorothy Nekesa (all from Thunderbirds).

Wafula is set to travel to Nairobi with the Lady Cranes for the Safari 7’s in Nairobi, Kenya this weekend (9th June). The women’s competition will be a round robin tournament involving Lady Cranes, Kenya 1 and Kenya 2. For this competition, the Ugandan ladies will be missing the services of Frankline Najjumba who is currently in India featuring for the African cricket team (yes, you read right – cricket!) in the women’s Afro – Asia Cricket Cup. Helen Buteme will also not travel with the team due to work commitments.

The travelling squad is, Joan Andika, Sauda Adiru, Winnie Atyang, Rachel Kakaire, Rosenberg Kanyunyuzi, Christine Kizito, Charlotte Mudoola, Mary Nakanyike, Hadija Namuyanja, Asha Ssonko and Ann Tumwine.

Charlotte Mudoola of URRS makes history

2007-05-30T05:19:00.000-07:00

Charlotte Mudoola of the Uganda Rugby Referees Society (URRS) made history during the recent Elgon Cup match between Uganda and Kenya. The first leg of the Elgon Cup competiton was held at Kyadondo Rugby Club on the 28th of May. Charlotte became the first woman in Uganda (and possibly Africa) to officiate at a senior men's test match. Charlotte and Charles Mungoma (URRS) were touch judges for the Zambian centre referee, Chris Mwamba (ZRRS).

Uganda has a good record of trying to promote female officials. In 2004, Helen Buteme (URRS) travelled to Harare, Zimbabwe as part of the team of 3 that officiated the IRB U 19 World Cup qualifier match between Zimbabwe and Kenya. Helen and David Kirabira (URRS) were touch judges for Ramsey Olinga (URRS).

ugrugbychiclet

Lady Cranes coach attends coaching course in South Africa

2007-05-25T01:16:00.001-07:00

Herbert Wafula, head coach of Uganda's women's 7's team (Lady Cranes) recently attended a 3 day IRB coaching course in South Africa from the 15th to the 17th of May. 20 participants from various countries in Africa attended this course. So far, I don't have the details yet of what transpired during the course or how Wafula performed but I'll post it as soon as I get the information.

ugrugbychiclet

Elgon cup curtain raiser off

2007-05-16T03:58:00.000-07:00

The planned curtain raiser 15 aside game between Lady Cranes and their Kenyan counterparts has been called off. The Ugandan Rugby Union (URU) had invited the Kenyan women's national squad to play against the Lady Cranes prior to the Elgon Cup game (Uganda vs Kenya) at the Kyadondo Rugby Club on the 26th May. Key players in the Kenyan squad are preparing for the CAR 7's to be held in June and the Kenya Rugby Football Union (KRFU) are not keen on sending a weakened squad for the 15 aside game.

Meanwhile the Lady Cranes 7's players have stepped up training in a bid to win this year's CAR 7's (June 16th and 17th). Monday's and Wednesday's are fitness day's under fitness guru Fred Mudoola while Friday's and Sunday's are for ball skills and game planning under head coach Herbert Wafula. 17 ladies from Black Panthers, Rangers and Thunderbirds Rugby Clubs are competing for the honours to represent Uganda. Rosenberg Kanyunyuzi, Harriet Kayonjo, Dorothy Nekesa and Frankline Najjumba are looking for their first 7's caps. Over the next few weeks the squad will be trimmed to 12 players.

Props/Hookers: Winnie Atyang, Stella Bakole, Rosenberg Kanyunyuzi, Christine Kizito, Stella Kyalikunda, Mary Nakanyike, Dorothy Nekesa, and Ann Tumwine (Thunderbirds).

Scrumhalves: Joan Andika and Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers).

Flyhalves: Harriet Kayonjo (Thunderbirds) and Hadija Namuyanja (Rangers).

Centres/Wingers: Sauda Adiru, Rachel Kakaire, Asha Ssonko (Thunderbirds), Helen Buteme and Frankline Najjumba (Black Panthers).

Team Manager: Jeroline Akubu

Head Coach: Herbert Wafula

Fitness & Nutrition Coach: Fred Mudoola

Team Doctor: Dr. Samuel Guma

Team Physiotherapist: Ambrose Ejalu

This tournament will be used by the competing teams to gauge their chances of qualifying for the Women's 2009 IRB 7's World Cup which will be held in conjunction with the men’s tournament in Dubai. The African qualifiers are expected to be held next year (2008) but the hosting country is yet to be revealed by the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR).

Anne Sizomu of URRS in Zimbabwe

2007-05-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

Anne Sizomu Alan, Chairperson of the Uganda Rugby Referees Society (URRS), is currently in Zimbabwe to attend a referees coaching clinic after which she will coach referees officiating during the annual Cottco Schools Rugby Festival. The week long festival kicked off on Monday morning (21st April) at the Prince Edward High School in Harare and attracted a total of 88 teams: 54 Under 19 sides and 34 Under 16 sides.

Olinga to represent Uganda women's rugby in UK

2007-05-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

Ramsey Olinga, Uganda's school's development officer, sets off today (3rd May) for the UK to represent Uganda in a rugby conference on the Development of the Women's Game. Twenty-six unions in the women's game will meet in Lensbury, London, for the Conference over a 3 day period.

The IRB Conference on the Women’s Game presents the opportunity to review the WRWC 2006 from a technical perspective providing an insight as how the game is played compared with 2002 and to identify different styles of play that prevailed during the tournament. As sevens is becoming increasingly popular in the women’s game the role of Rugby Sevens with attention on the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2009 will also be discussed.

ug rugby chiclet

2007 CAR 7's - Kampala leg

2007-05-03T05:05:00.000-07:00

THE Kampala (Uganda) edition of the 2007 CAR 7's (women's tournament) is set to be held from 16th - 17th June.

Lady Cranes (Uganda's women national team) is currently undergoing drills 3 times a week at Kampala Rugby Club under Herbert Wafula. Players from Thunderbrids, Black Panthers and Rangers make up the squad. Among the squad is Winnie Atyang (Thunderbirds and Lady Cranes captain), 2006 URU MVP Rachel Kakaire (Thunderbirds), 2004 and 2005 URU MVP Helen Buteme (Black Panthers) and Hadija Namuyanja (Rangers captain).

2006 Kampala CAR 7's champions South Africa, 2006 Kampala CAR 7's semifinalists Kenya and Tunisia (winners of the 2007 LG CAR 7's held in Tunis, Tunisia) have so far confirmed their participation.

Rwanda, Burundi and Zambia are expected to confirm their participation soon and have been in preparations for the last 2 months. They are set to select their travelling squads at the end of this month (May).

Other teams that have been invited include Nigeria, Morocco, Cote d'Ivoire and Zimbabwe as well as The Arabian Gulf from the Middle East who will be the tournament guests.

With qualifiers for the 2009 IRB 7's World Cup set to be held next year, the African teams will use this tournament to gauge how strong their bid for the (single?) African slot will be.

ug rugby chiclet

2006 URU women's MVP

2007-04-26T04:57:00.000-07:00

The URU annual dinner/awards night was finally held on Tuesday this week (24th April) at the Serena hotel, Kampala. It was great to see the gals (and guys) all dressed up in dinner dresses and the like.

The 2006 URU women's MVP was Rachel Kakaire of Thunderbirds rugby team. She is the second winner of this award. Helen Buteme (Black Panthers) won the first two awards in 2004 and 2005.

Guinness, the new sponsors for Ugandan rugby pledged their support to men's rugby and also committed themselves to women's rugby. Part of the 500 million Uganda shillings sponsorship package from Guinness includes a coach who will pick up from where the legendary South African Chester Williams left off. David Dobela (also South African) is the former U21 men's national team assistant coach and Lady Springboks (South Africa's womens' national team) head coach. He will be involved in developing school and club rugby in Uganda and coaching both the men's and women's 15 aside national teams over a 2 year period.

2007 kyadondo 7's

2007-04-18T02:46:00.000-07:00

The third edition of the Kyadondo Women’s 7’s took place on 14th April at Kyadondo Rugby Club (Kampala, Uganda). The 1st edition was in 2004 and Thunderbirds A (then captained by Helen Buteme) defeated Mwamba Invaders from Kenya 10 -00 to win the the tournament. There was no 2005 tournament so the second edition was in 2006. Kyadondo A (Thunderbirds and Rangers combined) captained by Christine Kizito to beat Brown University from USA 19 -00 in the final to become the 2006 champions.

For this years edition, once again, Thunderbirds and Rangers combined to form Kyadondo A and B. Kyadondo A boasted of 9 capped 7's players (Winnie Atyang, Stella Bakole, Christine Kizito, Mary Nakanyike, Rachel Kakaire, Asha Ssonko, Sauda Adiru, Charlotte Mudoola and Hadijah Namuyanja) while Kyadondo B had three 7's caps (Joan Andika, Ann Tumwine and Harriet Kayonjo). Kampala Rugby Club entered their women's side Black Panthers that boasts of a single 7's cap (Helen Buteme) while Mwamba Invaders (Kenya) with about 5 players capped for 7's also drafted 2 players from Harlequins Kweens to boost their team. The Tag Rugby Development Trust (TDRT) from the UK that was in Uganda to introduce tag rugby to primary schools kids in Jinja formed a team (TDRT Tigers) that had touch rugby players trying out contact rugby for the first time as well as players that play rugby league. Two of the Tigers (Lindsay Anfield and Michelle Land aka Shelly) have represented Great Britain at Rugby League World Cups.

The rugby exhibited on this day was great to watch. The Kenyan girl's led by Angela Olum displayed their trademark aggressive style of play combined with pace on the wing. They drew 19 - 19 with the Tigers, beat panthers 31 - 00 and outclassed Kyadondo B 15 - 00 before losing 10 - 00 to Kyadondo A. Linda Anyango was the tournamen'ts top try scorer with 5 tries, while other key players for the Invaders were Doreen Remuor and Celestine Masinde.

All the Ugandan teams displayed sheer pace that wore out Shelly Land's Tigers. The Tigers' general lack of speed cost them dearly and they did not win any games: they lost by close margins to panthers and Kyadondo B and were thrashed by kyadondo A and drew with mwamba. Although new to rugby union & 7's rugby, the Tiger's put up a good show and their rugby league and touch rugby ball handling skills of the Tigers came in handy and they entertained spectators with their free flowing style of rugby. Hopefully both ugandan and kenyan players learnt a trick or two from their UK counterparts and will use it to spice up our rugby in attack.

Kyadondo B led by former 15 aside captain Lillian Ikulumet played 7's as if they were playing 15 aside rugby - too much contact and no imagination but the sidestepping skills and runs of Joan Andika were a joy to watch. she scored 2 tries in the 15 - 12 win against the Tigers. let's hope to see more of the same in June during the CAR 7's. Other notables in Kyadondo B were Ann Tumwine and Harriet Kayonjo.

Black Panthers, coached and captained by Helen Buteme, were the hardest tackling team in the tournament and showed great improvement from last year but still have a lot of polishing to do in order to catch up with Kyadondo A and Mwamba. With blazing runs and try saving tackles, Helen Buteme stood out as well as new call up for 7's national team training Frankline Najjumba, 15's international prop Fortunate Irankunda and youngsters Loy Mbabazi and Brenda Kayi. Black Panthers lost to Kyadondo A and to the Invaders and beat the Tigers 14 - 10 (Panthers tries and conversions by Helen) and beat Kyadondo B 05 - 00 (try by Frankline).

Kyadondo A (captained by Winnie Atyang) used their pace to run rings around the other teams but also dispalyed a trait common amongst all the teams (except TDRT Tigers) in the tournament; lack of creativity in attack and relying on speed to get to the try line. All the same, they played good rugby and they posted high scores of 40 - 00 against both the Tigers and Panthers, 29 - 0 against Kyadondo B and deserved to beat Mwamba Invaders 10 -00 (tries courtesy of Winnie and Sauda). Rachel Kakaire's goal kicking was amazing to watch (she's on par with her male counterparts) as she put in 12 conversions and scored 4 tries to end up the tournament's top points scorer with a total of 44 points. Sauda Adiru also had 4 tries, while Stella Bakole and Christine Kizito had 3 tries each.

It was great to see Uganda Women's Rugby Association chairperson, Irene Namapii, taking the field for Black panthers against mwamba Invaders. Also good to see were women referees Stella Kyalikunda and Dorothy Nekesa refereeing some of the games.

Kyadondo A finished the tournament top with 12pts. Mwamba Invaders were second with 9pts, Black Panthers third with 8pts, Kyadondo B fourth with 6pts and TDRT Tigers last with 5 pts.

Next women 7's action will be the international CAR 7's in Kampala in June this year, followed by the Kabeberi 7's later on in the year.

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CAR women's 7's in Tunisia

2007-04-18T02:21:00.000-07:00

Lady cranes' (uganda's women's national team) season started very early in the year with a trip to Tunisia. Lady cranes were runners up to south africa in the inaugural southern africa CAR 7's championship held in Uganda last year (2006). This was impressive enough to land them (as well as South Africa and semi finalists Kenya) an invite to take part in the northern africa CAR 7's tournament held in Tunisia in March. '

2007 saw a return to international rugby by Helen Buteme who had missed the 2006 international season as well as the timely appointment of Herbert Wafula (former Kenyan AND Ugandan international 7's and 15's player) as the women's 7's coach, a new 7's captain (Winnie Atyang) and a new look Lady cranes 7s squad. The below story is take on what happened by one of the players (Helen Buteme) on the tour.

ug rugby chiclet

LADY CRANES IN TUNISIA

By Helen Buteme

The 2007 women’s rugby season started with some pleasant surprises for the Lady Cranes. First was the appointment of veteran Uganda 7’s player and former Rugby Cranes coach, Herbert Wafula (Herbo), as head coach of the Lady Cranes’ 7’s team. Second was the announcement by the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) that it would sponsor the Lady Cranes to travel to Tunisia to compete in the 4th International Tunisia CAR Women’s 7’s from the 9th and 10th of March in Tunis. Together with his assistant coach, Timothy Mudoola (Timo), Herbo quickly set about the mammoth task polishing our skills and upping our fitness levels in only 3 weeks as well as the equally difficult task of learning everyone’s names. Training done, Herbo selected his squad of 10 players. The touring squad was; Winnie Atyang - Captain (Thunderbirds), Stella Bakole (Thunderbirds), Christine Kizito (Thunderbirds), Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers), Hadijah Namuyanja - Vice Captain (Rangers), Helen Buteme (Black Panthers), Rachel Kakaire (Thunderbirds), Asha Sonko (Thunderbirds), Joan Andika (Rangers) and Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds). We set off for Tunisia on the 7th March and we were welcomed at the airport by the Tunis Rugby Federation officials. On exiting the airport we were greeted by a blast of cold wind so strong that it was a struggle to stay on our feet and the lightweights were almost blown away. Only the heavyweights (Herbert, Christine and Winnie) walked relatively comfortably to the minivan waiting to take us to the Federation Rugby hostel (Maison de Rugby). We had a mid morning training session on Friday to try and get used to the conditions and had a rough time of it. The weather was dismal (cold, windy and rainy) and the pitch was very wet and muddy. The cold froze our fingers making it hard to catch the ball and when passing the ball the wind carried it in another direction. The tournament kicked off on Friday at 3pm with no improvement in the weather and pitch conditions. Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, Uganda and our perennial rivals Kenya had been invited to lock horns with Tunisia, Morocco, Arabian Gulf and defending champions French club Montpellier. Unfortunately, South Africa, Kenya, Morocco and Montpellier pulled out leaving only Uganda, Cote d’Ivoire, Tunisia, Arabian Gulf and a Tunisian Select Universities side to compete for top honours. The tournament was played on a round robin basis with each team playing 2 games on each day. Our first game was against Cote d’Ivoire. The West Africans shared our size, build and speed but we were a more experienced bunch and after getting over our initial jitters, we scored 4 tries through Rachel (2 tries), Hadijah Namuyanja (1 try) and Stella (1 try), with a conversion from Rachel. In spite of the 22 – 00 win, it was a scrappy game from us: perhaps because we were still adjusting to the weather or we had not had enough preparation time to gel as a team or simply because we were not focused but either way, as a team, we were not pleased with how we played. Neither was the coach and although happy with the win, Herbo told us that judging from how the other teams had played through the day we had to improve drastically if we wanted a first place finish. The final game of the day was against the University side. With the home crowd advantage and a partisan Tunisian referee, the University side stretched us and at half time the score was still a barren draw. A pep talk from the coach at half time failed to bring us back into the game and we struggled to make any headway. In the dying minutes, Charlotte was given a yellow card reducing us to 6 players. Ironically it was then we woke up and produced the best rugby we had played so far, both in attack and defence. The Tunisians tried to take advantage of their extra player and their scrum half broke away with only empty space between her and the tryline. Winnie and I (Helen) chased down the player and her support and in the ensuing tackles, Winnie turned over the ball and passed to Hadijah who raced away to the tryline. The try was not converted and the game ended then. We were in second place on points’ difference as Tunisia had beaten the Arabian Gulf 05 – 00 and Cote d’Ivoire 36 - 00. A win is a win but neither the team nor the coach was satisfied with our performance: we were yet to stamp our authority in our games. On Saturday, we woke up to a bright sunny morning and the wind had lessened. We took it to be a good omen and our spirits brightened. We met the Arabian Gulf in our first game. However, it seemed as if we were playing an English/European side as ALL the players were from the UK and Europe and none were Arabs. After the Tunisians, they were the bulkiest girls in the tournament. They lacked the speed of the North Africans but they had good ball skills and were an experienced lot. We started the game well and some beautiful inter-backs play had Rachel and Charlotte each scoring a try and a determined run from Winnie earned her a try as well. A conversion from Rachel had us ahead by 17 – 00 at half time. Herbo was a lot happier with our play in attack although there was room for improvement but our tackling had generally become very sloppy. Christine and Rachel were substituted by Asha and Sauda and with fresh legs we hoped to increase our lead and narrow the points’ deficit between Tunisia and us. However, lack of concentration from us allowed the Gulf to completely dominate us in second half and they pinned us in our own half. We totally went to pieces and were unable to complete any attacking moves and we were all guilty of missed tackles. The Gulf took advantage of that to score 2 tries and kept us under pressure for the entire duration. In the last seconds of the game, Christine pushed a fleeing Gulf winger into touch ensuring that we finished the game victorious. Unfortunately for us, Tunisia had beaten the University side 17 - 05 so our 17 – 10 result against the Gulf meant that we were still trailing Tunisia on points’ difference; they had 53 points we had 34. The last game of the day (and tournament), was Tunisia versus Uganda. It was the deciding match of the tournament as we were both unbeaten. We had to win as we had a lower points’ difference; Tunisia only had to force a draw to take the trophy. From watching their earlier games and our previous experience with their University side, we knew that the Tunisians would not be a walkover. We spent the first minutes of the first half pinned in our 22. Hard tackles from everyone and a tight defence kept the aggressive Tunisians off our tryline. Our defence paid off and Stella forced an error at a ruck and we were awarded a penalty. Slick moves between the backs left the Tunisians flatfooted and their defence in disarray. The ball was swung out to a waiting Christine who charged into a hapless Tunisian between her and the tryline. With Rachel down from an earlier tackle, I took the conversion and missed and that miss was to come back and haunt me at the end of the game. For the rest of the half we kept them in their 22 but were unable to translate the pressure into tries. In spite of their bulk the Tunisians were fast and closed down our backs whenever we made breakthroughs. The first half ended with us in the lead but it was too slim a lead for us to feel comfortable. Herbo urged us to keep our focus and warned that the second half would be harder. Asha replaced Stella who was unable to continue playing due to an injury. Unfortunately, in the second half, Rachel was given a yellow card for a high tackle and for the second time in the tournament we were down to 6 players. From the ensuing penalty close to the 5, the ball was swung out to the Tunisian winger who scored a try in the corner. The conversion was missed and we were tied at 05 – 05. With Rachel back on, the Tunisian’s temporary advantage over us was cancelled but the Tunisians had a psychological boost from the try and got back into the game. The Tunisian winger took advantage of a lapse in concentration and broke through down the wing and looked to have a sure try but I cross covered and pushed her into touch ensuring the scores remained even. Unfortunately, at that point, the referee (also Tunisian) ended the game after only 6 minutes of second half play and it was tears and disappointment for Lady Cranes. Due to their better points’ difference, the Tunisians lifted the winner’s trophy while we were the runners up. All in all, it was a great trip for exposure and kudos to URU and the Uganda Women's Rugby Association (UWRA) and CAR for making it possible. Although, we did not come back home empty handed, we are not satisfied with the runners up trophy and under Herbo, Timo, Fred Mudoola (fitness and nutrition coach), Jeroline Akubu (Team manager), Dr. Ambrose (Team doctor) we are already gearing up for the Ugandan CAR 7’s on the 16th – 17th June. The teams likely to take part are Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. We are determined to be the 2007 African 7’s champions so make a date to come and watch us. Funding permitting, we also aim to go for the Mosi 7’s in Zambia (June), the Safari 7’s in Kenya (June) and the Dubai 7’s (November/December). All this is in preparation for the IRB World Cup 7’s in 2009 and we MUST be there to represent Uganda!!! WOMEN’S RUGBY IS ON A ROLL SO PLEASE SUPPORT US IN ANY WAY THAT YOU CAN.

Uganda womén's rugby contact: ugwomensrugby@yahoo.com

girl school's 7's rugby

2007-04-18T01:59:00.000-07:00

on 24th march 2007, 2 girls schools (St Katherine's and Lira Integrated) from Lira (northern Uganda) travelled down to Kampala to take on St Lawrence A (Horizon and Creamland campuses) and St Lawrence B (Horizon and Creamland campuses) school teams in a round robin 7's tournament.

The Lira girls were too strong for the kampala girls and both teams thrashed the St Lawrence teams with score margins of 40 points to 0. St lawrence A beat it's B team 20 - 00 and St Katherine's and Lira Integrated played an exciting game between them. however, both teams marked each other well and the game ended in a 0 - 0 draw.

On the 14th april, the 3rd edition of the kyadondo 7's had a school girl's category. only teams from kampala took part. rangers rugby club entered rangers integrated academy (a combination of school girls from various schools in kampala) and st lawrence entered 2 teams of school girls drawn from teh Horizon, Creamland and Kabaka's Lake campuses. rangers integrated academy showed early on it was the team to beat when it walloped St Lawrence B 35 – 00. St Lawrence A similarly thrashed their B team 32 – 00. St Lawrence A and Rangers Integrated Academy were evenly matched and tussled it out to a 05 - 05 draw.

The Lira teams are coached by Andrew Erach, while the St lawrence teams are coached by Drake Muyodi (G4S Pirates) and Helen Buteme (Black Panthers). Rangers Integrated Academy is coached by Hadija Namuyanja (Rangers).

the potential showed by these school girls in both tournaments is awesome and things can only get better for ugandan women's rugby if these girls are nurtured and their talent developed both while they are still in school and after they complete their studies.

pre - season 7's at kyadondo

2007-04-18T01:49:00.000-07:00

The pre - season 7's at kyadondo rugby club were held on 11th february 2007. 4 teams took part. thunderbirds a (TBA), thunderbirds b (TBB), rangers (RNG) and black panthers (BP). top seeds were TBA, followed by RNG, TBB and the bottom seeds BP. the teams played each other in a round robin format.

the players were rusty after the long christmas and new years lay off and the rugby was not up to standard. all the same it was a great day out for women's rugby. the results of the games involving TBA were predictable. they thrashed RNG 27 - 00 and BP 36 - 00. TBB narrowly escaped the same fate when they retired early from teh tournament after most of their players picked up extensive injuries in the game agisnt BP. BP surprised everyone by beating TBB 24 - 00 and drawing with RNG 00 - 00.

chics' rugby with a ugandan twist

2007-04-18T01:34:00.000-07:00

welcome to the first ever (i believe) blog on women's rugby (exclusively) in uganda (east africa). i'll keep you informed on all the happenings in the 2007 season for schools, club and national team rugby as well as on our women referees. it will be a updated weekly but if there is a lot to post then it will be more often than that.

currently we have 12 school girl teams (8 in northern ugandan and 4 in kampala) actively playing rugby. hopefully we'll see more schools starting up girl's rugby teams this year.

there are 4 club sides: amazons (northern uganda) and thunderbirds, rangers and black panthers (all in kampala).

so far we've had lots of action this year, starting with a pre - season 7's tournament hosted at kyadondo, a trip for lady cranes (uganda women's national side) to tunisia for a 7's tournament, a 7's tournament in kampala for the school girls, and the recently concluded kyadondo 7's.

east african rugby is growing and fast. in 2006, there was a 15aside and 7's tour to Uganda by Brown University (USA). This year we had TDRT Tigers (UK). If there are any teams from whatever part of the world interested in touring Uganda please email the uganda women's rugby association at ugwomensrugby@yahoo.com or myself at ugrugbychiclet@yahoo.co.uk or ugrugbychiclet@gmail.com. i can pass the info on.

ug rugby chiclet