Murunga makes 13 changes to Lionesses squad for African Championships

Kenya Lionesses Fifteens Coach Paul Murunga has named the 28 woman Lionesses squad to this year's Rugby Africa Women's Cup taking place in Antananarivo, Madagascar from May 4–12.

Natasha Emali captains the side that has thirteen changes from the side that did duty at the World Rugby WXV 3 competition in Dubai, UAE, last October. These are changes necessitated by the Lionesses participation at the final round of the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series set for May 18–19 in Krakow, Poland.

The experienced Linet Moraa returns to the Lionesses alongside Hesla Khisa and Diana Awino while Jane Chanya, Sheila Wesa, Mitchelle Atieno, and Mitchelle Alivitsa, Refa Ochando, Hellen Achieng, Elizabeth Wekesa, Nolin Khaleyi,Carol Nyamwamu and Hellen Anyango are all handed maiden call ups.

Speaking at the team unveiling ceremony, the team’s coach, Paul Murunga, asserted the team’s preparedness and the importance of the tournament in qualification for the World Cup.

“The team is ready, as we have already said. The stakes are a bit high in terms of qualification for the World cup and WXV 2 and WXV 3 competitions. The squad basically consists of the girls that featured in last year’s edition of this tournament.”

This year's Rugby Africa Women's Cup will be played on a round robin basis and features defending champions South Africa, Kenya, hosts Madagascar and Cameroon.

Lionesses Squad Rugby Africa Women's Cup 2024

Natasha Emali (Captain), Rose Otieno (Vice Captain), Knight Otwoma,Jane Chanya, Maureen Chebet, Faith Livoi, Enid Ouma, Diana Kemunto, Naomi Jelagat, Winnie Owino, Ann Ochieng, Terry Ayesa, Esther Juma, Lewin Amazimbi, Diana Awino, Diana Omoso, Mitchelle Atieno,Sheila Wesa, Hesla Khisa, Mitchelle Akinyi, Mitchelle Alivitsa, Refa Ochando, Hellen Achieng, Elizabeth Wekesa, Nolin Khaleyi, Linet Moraa ,Carol Nyamwamu ,Hellen Anyango