By 
The Uganda Lady Rugby Cranes are intensifying their preparations at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds ahead of the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup set to take place in Antananarivo, Madagascar from June 7–15.
Uganda secured promotion in April after a dominant display at the inaugural Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Division 1 tournament in Côte d’Ivoire. The Lady Cranes swept all their matches against Zimbabwe, Tunisia, and the hosts to earn their place at Africa’s top table, replacing Cameroon.
Speaking after today’s training session, Head Coach Charles Onen emphasized the team’s readiness.
“We’ve had four weeks of preparation and still have a week till we travel. The team is geared up,” Onen said. “We are trying to fix a couple of areas where we didn’t do well in the last tournament especially our set-pieces, how we carry the ball into contact, and our defensive patterns.”
Onen acknowledged the challenges ahead, considering his side has played only three test matches since 2023. However, he views the tournament as a valuable opportunity to measure progress without the pressure of relegation.
“This is where we are supposed to be, but the most important thing is consistently staying at this stage,” he added. “It’s going to be very challenging, but it will give us a good picture of where we stand in women’s 15s rugby.”
The final squad of 28 players will be announced this Saturday, with Onen revealing that no more than five changes are expected from the group that triumphed in Côte d’Ivoire, despite a few lingering injury concerns.
Team captain Angela Nanyonjo sounded confident ahead of their toughest test yet.
“This is a much more competitive tournament than the one in Ivory Coast. We are playing against top-tier teams, but we are ready,” Nanyonjo said.
“It’s a chance for us to express ourselves and learn. We know the opponents are more experienced, but trust me, we are not here by mistake. Do not underestimate us because we are the lowest ranked team, we are here to compete.”
The Lady Cranes will face some of Africa’s best sides in Madagascar, joining Kenya, SouthAfrica and hosts at the fournation tournament.
