After over one year of inactivity caused by Covid-19 disruptions, international rugby XVs season for the Uganda national sides returned a few days ago in the shape of the Rugby Africa Cup. Ugandan sides (men and women) were each seeded in Group C and they both hosted their matches.
For the Uganda Lady Rugby Cranes, they completed a double over Zimbabwe Lady Sables off a 03-34 victory during their second clash in the Rugby Africa Cup – Women’s Group C on Sunday, 18th July at Kyadondo Rugby Club in Kampala. Uganda had won the first clash 41-00 on Wednesday last week.
Regina Lunyolo, women’s representative on the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) Executive Commitee says that the Rugby Africa Cup games have given a huge boost to the women’s game, both on and off the turf.
”It is fantastic to see our women on the African continent using rugby as a powerful tool in changing perceptions about this beautiful sport,” Lunyolo told URU website.
“The games are a true testament that with more investment in the women’s game, we will truly empower our girls and young women to break barriers in this male dominated sport,” Lunyolo added.
Lunyolo also lauds tournament organizers, Rugby Africa for ensuring the event is a success albeit the current Covid-19 situation that has even forced local sports activities in Uganda to grind to a halt.
“We would like to thank Rugby Africa for making this milestone achievable, the Uganda Rugby Union for supporting our Uganda Lady Rugby Cranes and Zimbabwe Rugby union for honoring the fixture amidst the pandemic,” Lunyolo noted.
The win against Zimbabwe sees Lady Rugby Cranes now currently in the 31st World Rugby ranking from their previous 39th position.
Up next for the Lady Rugby Cranes is the Elgon Cup tournament that was rescheduled about a month ago. The event was initially slated for 26th June 2021. Last year’s edition wasn’t held due to Covid-19 disruptions.
