Kenya Lionesses Fifteens Coach Paul Murunga has announced the 28-woman Lionesses squad for this year’s Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in Antananarivo, Madagascar from May 4-12.
Natasha Emali will lead the team, which sees thirteen changes from the lineup at the World Rugby WXV 3 competition in Dubai last October. These changes were made in preparation for the Lionesses’ participation in the final round of the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series in Krakow, Poland on May 18-19.
Key players like Linet Moraa, Hesla Khisa, and Diana Awino return to the Lionesses squad, while newcomers Jane Chanya, Sheila Wesa, Mitchelle Atieno, and others have earned their first call-ups.
Coach Murunga expressed confidence in the team’s mental strength and readiness to face South Africa at the tournament, despite limited playing opportunities this year. He also acknowledged the challenge of players being unavailable due to national 7s team commitments in Poland.
The Rugby Africa Women’s Cup will feature a round-robin format with teams from South Africa, Kenya, Madagascar, and Cameroon competing for the title.
Lionesses Squad | Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2024 | May 4-12 | Antanaravivo, Madagasca: Natasha Emali (Captain), Rose Otieno (Vice Captain), Knight Otwoma, Jane Chanya, Maureen Chebet, and more.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).