Uganda’s Women national rugby Sevens team, the Lady Cranes 7s, have been flagged off to Tunisia for the 2022 Africa Women’s Sevens due April 29-30.
The team leaves in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, with the trip coming barely two days after their men counterparts won the Men’s edition at Kyadondo.
The tournament at Jammel in Tunisia will also act as Qualifiers for the World Cup and Commonwealth.
“We aim to qualify for both tournaments,” said Uganda Rugby Union Vice President Technical Oscar Olaro.
“We have made enough preparations, and we leave with confidence that we will deliver. We are African Men’s champions and we believe that our women will also qualify.”
Uganda is among the nine teams that will compete in Tunisia.
They are grouped in Pool B alongside neighbors Kenya and Zambia.
Pool A has South Africa, Senegal and Zimbabwe while Pool C has hosts Tunisia, Madagascar and Ghana.
Besides South Africa who qualified as hosts, the other eight teams will compete for the only spot at the 2022 Rugby Women World Cup.
Only one ticket is also available to the Commonwealth games in Birmingham, and will be taken by the highest eligible team after the tournament.
Uganda have twice reached the final – In 2008 when they beaten by South Africa 24-0 in Kampala and in 2018 when they lost to Kenya 29-7 in Gabarone.
During the last edition, which was held in Tunisia in 2019, Uganda finished fifth.
Four players – Grace Auma, Charlotte Mudoola, Mary Gloria Ayot and Agnes Nakuya – on the current squad played at the 2019 edition, coached by Hellen Buteme then.
Uganda is targeting a return to the Women Rugby 7s World Cup after their maiden appearance in 2009 in New Zealand and Australia.
Traveling Contingent
Players – Juliet Nandawula, Rita Nadunga, Grace Auma, Peace Lekuru, Angel Nanyonjo, Yvonne Najjuma, Charlotte Mudoola, Sandra Amoli Lona, Suzan Adong, Mary Gloria Ayot, Faith Namugga, Agnes Nakuya
Officials – Charles Onen (Coach), Phionah Nakateete (Team Manager), Kigongo Ssebalamu (Strength and Conditioning), Physiotherapist.
