“We are still weak on numbers/population of female rugby players at all pathways” but we can better the quality.
When you look back at 2004 to date 2021 it has been 17years, there has been a significant difference on the quality of rugby played and numbers of female rugby players in Uganda but not enough to be talked of as an achievement in regards to how the games have been won, points being scored and who scores them, new clubs being introduced and other perishing.
Inconsistency on women’s rugby development has had a huge negatively in terms of funding, player welfare, media attention, elite performance exposure and other factors.
I would pose a question “Is performance determined by the population”. We have seen nations with smaller population performing greatly and vise verse. The numbers matter so does the quality too.
Women’s rugby is a huge potential to Ugandan sports and Uganda Rugby Union should be thrilled with outstanding grassroots activities within many communities embedding inclusive rugby of opportunities. However, when the girls get to secondary education, these are lost to different sports disciplines and return to play after pregnancy challenges. There’s still work to be done on player retention, investment on girls’ youth programs and capacity building should be key to boost women’s rugby brand.
Leonard Lubambula
Head Coach –Uganda Women’s XVs Rugby National Team
