Three debutants headline Kenya Lionesses squad for Rugby Africa Cup

Kenya Rugby Union has announced the squad that will be in action during the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup slated for Thursday, 1 to Monday, 16 June, in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

The selection followed a rigorous process. The trials were held on Monday 12 May at the RFUEA Grounds, where 62 players turned up. From the trials, the selected players have been in camp before the final cut.

The team has been bolstered by three debutants; Ivonee Katundu, Dorris Kimani and Yvette Oketch, who will be looking to prove their mettle.

Evergreen Grace Adhiambo has also earned a call-up after an impressive performance during the HSBC Challenger Series.

Naomi Amuguni, Sheila Chajira, Christabel Lindo, Faith Livoi, Moreen Muritu, Stella Wafula and Sinaida Mokaya are all on the plane to Madagascar after representing Kenya in the shorter version of the game.

Speaking in a past interview, the team’s assistant coach Simon Odongo revealed that the Lionesses are focused on clinching the continental title and laying the groundwork for a long-term goal of qualifying for the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

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“Our goal is first of all to ensure we win the Africa Cup next month, and also to qualify for the 2029 Women’s World Cup in our long-term plan,” Odongo stated.

The Lionesses are keen to bounce back from a disappointing campaign in last year’s tournament. They managed just one win against Cameroon and suffered defeats to hosts Madagascar and defending champions South Africa.

This year, they will face the same teams: Madagascar and South Africa, alongside regional rivals Uganda, in a round-robin format.

The team will kick off their campaign against hosts Madagascar on Saturday, 7 June at 3:00 PM (EAT).

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They will then take on South Africa on Wednesday, 11 June, and wrap up the competition against Uganda on Sunday, 15 June.

All matches will be held at Stade Makis Stadium, with the last two fixtures starting at 1:00 PM EAT.

This year’s Rugby Africa Women’s Cup carries high stakes, with the winner earning a direct qualification spot to the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The revamped competition structure also signals a new era for women’s rugby on the continent, with increased focus on high-performance pathways and global representation.

Lionesses squad for 2025 Rugby Africa Cup

Forwards

Props: Jane Chanya, Natasha Emali, Katundu Ivonee*, Khaleyi Noleen, Naomi Muhanji, Wesa Sheila

Hookers: Akinyi Mitchell, Knight Owoma

Locks: Phoebe Akinyi, Maureen Chebet (Vice Captain), Enid Ouma (Captain), Naomi Jelegat

Backrows: Naomi Amuguni, Sheila Chajira, Nelly Chikombe, Kimani Dorris*

Backs

Scrum Halves: Edith Nariaka (Vice Captain)

Fly Halves: Ann Njeri, Grace Okulu

Wingers: Diana Awino, Freshia Awino, Oketch Yvette*, Juma Angel Charity

Centres: Christabel Lindo, Faith Livoi, Moreen Muritu, Stella Wafula

Full Backs: Sinaida Mokaya