The inaugural Rugby Africa Cup Women’s competition kicked off on a good and positive note.
In the midst of the pandemic, Rugby Africa Women’s Advisory Committee has achieved one of the key milestones enshrined in the RA women’s strategic plan to grow women’s rugby through creating sustainable pathways for more competitions.
Heartfelt gratitude to World Rugby and Rugby Africa Excom committee who have supported this initiative enormously financially, physically and morally. I would like to thank the Government of the Republic of Uganda that made an exception for this pre-planned tournament to take place during the lock down.
I would also like to thank the Ministry of Education and Sports, National council of sports, Uganda Olympic Committee, Uganda Rugby Union and the organizing committee for fully backing the Lady Cranes 15’s team. Gratitude also goes to the media team and media partners especially our local broadcaster UBC TV for the live broadcast and Kawowo sports that improved visibility for the test games both locally and internationally.
Last but not least, I would like to thank the Lady Cranes management team led by team manager and former fullback Rachael Kakaire. Gratitude to all the Lady Cranes players who spared their time and effort to represent us and fly our Ugandan flag high. And to all our fans who supported the ladies from home, we thank you very much. Keep supporting women’s rugby and together we will achieve more. Finally I would like to thank Zimbabwe rugby union for supporting the Sables women’s team to honor the fixture. They didn’t give up till the final whistle and with more competitions, the team will become unstoppable.
I am certain that with more resources and support from government, corporate bodies, non profit organizations, well wishers and sports enthusiasts, our Lady Cranes will become truly unstoppable. Its undeniable from the results that if as a country we invest more in women’s rugby, we will not only create more opportunities for our young girls and women to use the sport as an empowerment tool but also tap into all the benefits of playing this beautiful sport including but not limited to better physical and mental health, higher confidence, self esteem and social cohesion to mention but a few.
We should all continue to push for a leveled playing field for our female athletes on and off the field to reap the full benefits of women participating in sport especially as a career path.
Gender equality and diversity in rugby is possible and it starts with us prioritizing women’s rugby as the Uganda Rugby fraternity.
The future looks bright especially with a very committed and supportive Executive Committee of the Uganda Rugby Union through the office of the president Mr. Godwin Arinaitwe Kayangwe.
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