The local rugby body (RRF) has named a squad of 12 players for this year’s Kyadondo Women’s International Rugby 7’s tournament set for June 21 in Kampala, Uganda. The Blackbucks head coach Jean-Baptiste Itanzi told Sunday Sport yesterday that the selected players are capable of winning the tournament. “I have so much faith in my team and I’m confident about our chances of not only doing well but to on and win the tournament,” Itanzi stated. Itanzi further added that with support drawn from the current federation administration, he expects the team do much better than it has done in the past events. However, Angélique Nzabanita, who scooped the Most Valuable Player and top scorer award at last year’s edition, has been dropped from the squad. Nzabanita has since shifted to playing football. She turns out for APR women’s team and was part of the national team that traveled to Germany for a two-week training camp. The Blackbucks has been undergoing non residential training since late last month at APE Rugunga grounds. This year’s prestigious annual event whose theme is “Women Networking in Sports” is set to attract teams from several countries as well as schools from different parts of Uganda will attend the one-day tournament. This tournament is set to be used as a means of preparing a squad for this year’s women’s 7s World Cup qualifiers due later this year in South Africa. The tournament will also be used for promoting Women’s Rugby further in the region and as a way of fostering rugby ties worldwide. Rwanda’s women team is one of the best rugby playing teams in Africa, currently ranked 8th on the continent. Last year, the Blackbuck finished in third overall position. Hosts, Kyadondo rugby club will provide accommodation, internal transport and food for all participating teams. Meanwhile, the Blackbucks will in early August head to South Africa to participate in the inaugural Africa Women’s Cup 7’s tournament due to take place in East London city, from August 7-9. The tournament will attract top teams including the hosts South Africa, England, Canada, France, Australia, USA, and New Zealand, Samoa, Wales, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Morocco, Zimbabwe, Tunisia and Zambia. The tournament will be the first high profile event for the Rwandan team and it will be used as preparation for the 2009 7s World Cup in Dubai. Blackbuck squad: Jackline Mukabisangwa (Gikondo), Ernestine Irimaso (Shyogwe), Joseline Uwineza (Lion de Fer), Janvier Mukadusenge (Gorilla), Nadine Ishimwe (Sharks),Angéline Nzorera (Gorilla), Charlotte Ngendahayo (Lion de Fer), Angélique Mukeshimana (Sharks), Agnès Nkurikiyimfura (Remera), Bénita Mwenandamvuye (Gorilla), Angélique Ingabire (Lion de Fer) and Marie-Claire Uwase(Kamonyi). Ends
