Lady Cranes chase new dawn

KAMPALA- Lady Cranes coach Edgar Lemerigar has made new combinations ahead of the first ever Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Qualifiers due August 9- 17 at Bosman Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Lemerigar expects new players like Esther Tino, Agnes Nakuya and Harriet Kayonjo to beef up the team’s competitiveness at the World Cup qualifiers.
“It’s a combined effort of new and old players,” said Lemerigar.

He added that the team is undergoing restructuring after four years without playing test rugby.

Rebuilding process
“It’s a rebuilding process and the results will come with time hence the fans should be patient,” added the former Rugby Sevens Cranes international.
Lady Cranes last played 15s rugby in 2014 in an Elgon Cup loss to Kenya. The team sponsored by Toyota has been under residential training in Jinja since Saturday but returned to Kampala yesterday and will be flying out tonight.

Lady Cranes, who are ranked fourth in Africa, will be playing against South Africa, Kenya and Madagascar in quest to qualify for the 2021 World Cup in New Zealand.
The winner of the four team competition gets a direct ticket to New Zealand while the runner up with seek a route through a repechage tournament.

Squad: Faith Namugga, Yvonne Najjuma, Evelyn Aweku, Charity Atimango, Winnie Atyang (captain) Hellen Gizamba, Mary Gloria Ayot, Beatrice Lamunu Atim, Juliet Nandawula, Claire Anena, Harriet Kayonjo, Peace Lekuru (VC) Asha Nakityo Nabulime, Emmanuela Oroma, Samiya Ayikoru, Peace Mirembe, Christine Nakamya, Irene Nzige, Christine Nakayiza, Loy Mbabazi, Teddy Iwutung, Esther Tino, Joan Andika Mukoya, Odoyi Mary Kyoita, Agnes Nakuya, Rosenberg Kanyunyuzi.

RUGBY AFRICA WOMEN’S CUP FIXTURES
August 9
Madagascar vs. Kenya
South Africa vs. Uganda
August 13
Kenya vs. Uganda
Madagascar vs. South Africa
August 17
Madagascar vs. Uganda
South Africa vs. Kenya
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