While away, Peace Lekuru has missed playing the National 7s series with her side, Avengers, that she captained to the title last season.
Additionally, she missed national duties at the Safari 7s, where the Lady Cranes finished 2nd.
Whereas these are great opportunities that have gone by, they do not compare to her exploits in York, England.
Lekuru made the rare switch in Ugandan rugby, from being a Rugby Union stalwart in the 15s and 7s, to successfully trying her hand at Rugby League.
Former Valkyrie Director of Rugby, Lindsay Anfield, had nothing but praise for the Ugandan after a few games in York. “We brought her in as a sort of backrow-centre, and she just ended up starting on the wing and sort of learning the game, and she’s absolutely killing it, isn’t she?” she noted in a post-match interview.
Peace found her footing quickly at York Valkyrie, making her debut against the Leigh Leopards and then scoring her debut try in the next game against the Huddersfield Giants. Her try against Barrow earned her a nomination for Try of the Season at her end-of-season awards. The York Valkyrie made it to the playoffs semifinal, where their title defence hopes were dashed by St. Helen’s.
It is upon this illustrious backdrop that Lekuru returns for the Rugby Africa Women’s 7s Cup, which coincides with her club’s off-season.
Lekuru brings with experience and physicality that was much needed for the Lady Cranes at the Safari 7s. The Cranes turned to Yvonne Najjuma, Fazira Namukwaya, Lydia Namabiro and Grace Nabaggala to win them the physical contests, but with the addition of Lekuru, they can be a little bit more assured when they get into those contact zones.
Whether Lekuru makes the tournament squad or even plays isn’t up for question; the only question is whether she returns as captain, or plays a supporting role to Agnes Nakuya and Namabiro from the background.