Lionesses step up WXV3 preps with South African friendlies

The national women’s Rugby team, the Lionesses, are set to play two warm-up matches in South Africa as part of their preparations for the inaugural World Rugby WXV3 competition set for October 13–28, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The team will play against South Africa on Saturday, September 16, before taking on the San Clemente Rhinos a week later.

Head coach Dennis Mwanja welcomed the fixtures, saying that the team was at a very exciting time in history and that the two matches provided a proper buildup to the Dubai showpiece.

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The tactician has named five debutants in his 25-woman squad, which will miss the services of some key players who are on assignment with the 7s national team.

“This invitation to play the friendlies has come about as a result of the journey we have been through in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup; From topping Pool B in Uganda to ending up overall runners up in Madagascar, a feat that earned us qualification to the newly introduced World Rugby WXV3. These two matches serve as a buildup to the tournament in Dubai,” Mwanja said.

He continued, “We will have the team minus the 7s players who are preparing for the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens, which take place on the same weekend as the WXV3 opener.

This is therefore an opportunity for us to focus on our depth and build our capacity and experience as the Lionesses. This tour of South Africa is indeed a shot in the arm.”

The tactician says they will take the competition one game at a time, seeing as this is uncharted territory for the Lionesses. “We are happy to roll with the punches and take in the experience,” he added “We are quietly confident, and we are happy about the upcoming period of activity.”

Enid Ouma captains the side, which is set to arrive in South Africa on Wednesday, September 13, 2023.

Lionesses squad to South Africa

Rose Otieno, Knight Otwoma, Natasha Emali , Faith Livoi*, Hesla Khisa, Diana Kemunto, Enid Ouma, Naomi Jelagat, Winnie Owino, Ann Goretti , Jiveti Daisy Osore* , Priscah Nyerere , Naomi Amuguni ,Esther Juma*, Diana Omoso*, Naomi Muhanji*, Evelyne Kalemera, Mercy Migongo, Phoebe Ouma, Judith Okumu ,Grace Okulu,Sinaida Mokaya,Stella Wafula ,Sharon Auma, Michelle Akinyi

Lionesses Schedule

South Africa vs. Kenya | Saturday, September 16, 2023, | 1600hrs EAT

San Clemente Rhinos vs. Kenya | Saturday, September 23, 2023, | 1400hrs EAT