Kenya Lionesses release squad for Rugby Africa Women’s Performance Division tournament

Kenya Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo has unveiled the squad that will represent the country at the upcoming Rugby Africa Women’s Performance Division tournament set for Thursday, 21 to Sunday, 31 May at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.

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The competition will feature four of Africa’s top women’s rugby nations: Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Madagascar in what is expected to be a highly competitive battle for continental supremacy.

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Odongo has named a balanced squad comprising experienced campaigners and emerging talents as the Lionesses prepare for their first 15s assignment of the year. Natasha Emali and Judith Auma will co-captain the side, with Emali leading the forwards and Auma the backs.

The forwards department includes Jane Chanya, Jascenta Musakali, Sheila Wesa, Valentine Otieno, Naomy Muhanji, Knight Otwoma, Phoebe Otieno, Charity Oteng’o, Naomi Jelagat, Edith Sitati, Nelly Chikombe, Naomi Amuguni, Sheila Chajira, Maria Gorette, Atieno Awuor, and Marvel Oswago.

In the backs, Odongo has selected Edith Nariaka, Maureen Muritu, Faith Livoi, Janet Okello, Angel Salamba, Yvette Okech, Stella Wafula, Freshia Oduor, Tracey Montex, and Sinaida Mokaya alongside co-captain Auma.

South Africa head into the tournament as defending champions after an impressive campaign in the previous edition held in Madagascar, where they sealed the title with a commanding 61-17 victory over the hosts at Stade Makis to finish unbeaten.

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The Lionesses, who finished second in that tournament, will now be aiming to use home advantage to close the gap on the Springbok Women and potentially claim the continental crown.

Hosting the competition also marks a significant milestone for women’s rugby in Kenya, underlining the country’s growing reputation as a capable host for major rugby events.

Kenya previously hosted the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens tournament last year, where South Africa edged the Lionesses to secure the title. That experience is expected to help Kenya successfully deliver the 15s tournament.

The Rugby Africa Women’s Cup has increasingly become an important pathway to global competitions. South Africa booked their place at the 2025 Rugby World Cup after winning the 2024 edition in Madagascar before defending their title again in 2025.

The Lionesses will open their campaign with a regional derby against Uganda on Saturday, 23 May, before taking on Madagascar on Wednesday, 27 May. They will then conclude their fixtures with a highly anticipated clash against defending champions South Africa on Sunday, 31 May.

Preliminary Fixture Focus (May 2026):

May 23: Kenya vs. Uganda

May 27: Kenya vs. Madagascar

May 31: Kenya vs. South Africa