A Rugby Renaissance for Uganda
Peace Lekuru, the former captain of the Avengers Rugby team, is set to make a welcome return to the Ugandan national 7s rugby scene. The seasoned athlete has been absent from the National 7s series and her club duties during the past few months, as well as from the Safari 7s tournament, where the Lady Cranes narrowly missed out on the title, finishing second.
Lekuru's extended absence has not been due to lack of activity, however. Instead, she has been making waves in a different rugby domain—a rare switch in Uganda's rugby landscape. After years of excelling in Rugby Union at both 15s and 7s levels, Lekuru ventured into Rugby League, playing for York Valkyrie in England.
A Stellar Show in Rugby League
Her transition to Rugby League was nothing short of impressive. As noted by Lindsay Anfield, the former Director of Rugby at York Valkyrie, Lekuru's rapid learning curve and adjustment to the new position earned her praise. "We brought her in as a back-row player, and she ended up starting on the wing, learning the game as she went," Anfield remarked in a post-match interview. "She's absolutely killing it, isn't she?"
Lekuru's debut for York Valkyrie came against the Leigh Leopards, and in her second game, she scored her first try against the Huddersfield Giants. Her performance continued to shine, and her try against Barrow earned her a nomination for Try of the Season at the end-of-season awards. Despite falling just short of securing a playoff title, York Valkyrie reached the semifinals, where they were defeated by St. Helen's.
Bringing Experience Home
With her Rugby League experience now behind her, Lekuru returns to the Lady Cranes 7s training camp ahead of the Rugby Africa Women's 7s Cup. Her presence is anticipated to bring much-needed physicality and leadership to the team, especially in the wake of her absence during the Safari 7s tournament, where the Lady Cranes relied heavily on players like Yvonne Najjuma, Fazira Namukwaya, Lydia Namabiro, and Grace Nabaggala to dominate physical contests.
Lekuru's return could elevate the Lady Cranes to a new level of assurance in contact zones, where physicality often dictates the outcome of matches. While her role in the upcoming tournament is yet to be finalized—whether as captain or as a supporting teammate—there is no doubt about her readiness and capability to make a significant impact.
A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Lekuru's unique journey from Rugby Union to Rugby League and back to her national team demonstrates her commitment to the sport and her adaptability. Her return to the Lady Cranes not only strengthens the squad but also serves as an inspiration for other rugby players to explore and excel in diverse formats of the game.
As the Rugby Africa Women's 7s Cup approaches, fans and coaches alike are eager to see how Lekuru's fresh perspective and experience will shape the Lady Cranes' performance on the global stage. Whether leading from the front or supporting her teammates, Lekuru's return is a testament to her dedication and the enduring spirit of rugby in Uganda.
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