Uganda Women’s 7s have been forced to make a late change to the squad travelling to Dubai, UAE for the HSBC World Rugby 7s Challenger 2024 opener.
Speedster Emilly Lekuru, who was expected to make a comeback to the 7s fold after over twenty-five weeks, will not make the trip due to work commitments.
Coach Charles Onen confirmed the developments with Kawowo Sports in a phone call on Thursday afternoon.
Lekuru, an accounting graduate from Makerere University Business School (MUBS), is employed with Rugby Tackling Life – RTL Uganda. RTL is a non-governmental organisation whose work is to empower Ugandan girls and women with life skills and opportunities through rugby. The seven-person organisation is headed by Helen Koyokoyo Buteme, and Lekuru works alone in the finance and accounting department.
Buteme, to whom Lekuru reports directly, says that the start of the year in January is one of RTL’s busiest periods. She revealed to Kawowo Sports that RTL informed the national team of Lekuru’s unavailability during the period last month.
Buteme added that Lekuru would be available to train and travel for other upcoming events on the calendar on condition that RTL and the national team communicate adequately so that Lekuru’s work schedule can be organised to accommodate her rugby activities.
see the initially-announced squad
The union has not published a statement regarding the developments. Instead, they are already working on returning the squad to its full complement of twelve players.
Onen revealed that the union is working to process flight tickets and the visa for the yet-to-be-confirmed player who will replace Lekuru. The possible options from the extended training squad, Onen revealed, include Janat Nandudu and Unity Namulala.
The contingent will depart on Monday morning for the tournament which will kick off four days later on Friday, January 14, 2024, at The Sevens Stadium.
EDITOR’S NOTE: About twelve hours later, Uganda Rugby Union confirmed Janat Nandudu as Emilly Lekuru’s replacement on the travelling squad.
