Kenya Lionesses kick off preparations for RAWC 2025

• The Kenya Lionesses have begun preparations for the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, set for 5–16 June in Madagascar.
• Trials kicked off on Monday, 12th May at RFUEA Grounds, with over 50 athletes competing for spots in the provisional squad.
• Kenya, who finished third last year, aim to bounce back from defeats to South Africa (63-5) and Madagascar (29-22).

The women’s national rugby 15s side, Kenya Lionesses, have started their preparations for the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup slated to run from 5-16 June in Madagascar.

The team held their selection trials on Monday 12 May at the RFUEA Grounds where over 50 hopefuls gathered all vying for a spot in the provisional squad.

The trialists represent a range of local clubs, including seven players from the Kenya Lionesses 7s side that recently made history by securing qualification for the HSBC Series Division Two earlier this month.

This tournament will feature four nations – hosts Madagascar, defending champions South Africa, newly promoted Uganda and Kenya.

The competition will follow a round-robin format, with each team facing the others across three match days (7th, 11th, and 15th June) at Stade Makis in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

The Lionesses will open their campaign against Madagascar on 7th June at 3:00 PM EAT.

They will then face reigning champions South Africa on 11 June, before concluding their fixtures with a clash against the Uganda Lady Cranes on 15th June.

The final two encounters are scheduled to kick off at 1:00 PM EAT.

Uganda are the new faces in the elite tournament after earning promotion by defeating Zimbabwe 63-7 in the Rugby Africa Women’s Division One event.

They replace last year’s participants Cameroon who were eliminated.

South Africa emerged victorious in the previous edition, claiming a clean sweep with 15 points from three wins.

Kenya, who placed third with seven points, will be eager to avenge their 63-5 loss to the Springbok Women.

The Lionesses also suffered a narrow 29-22 defeat to Madagascar but managed a commanding 39-17 win over Cameroon.

ALSO READ: How Kenya 7s can regain top-tier status following format change by World Rugby

Players invited to Kenya Lionesses trials

Impala Roans: Naomi Muhanji, Noleen Khaleyi, Knight Otwoma, Mitchelle Akinyi, Melissa Amondi, Hesla Khisa, Enid Ouma, Diana Kemunto, Gladys Makhungu, Nelly Chikombe, Sheilla Chajira, Judith Auma, Winnie Owino, Christabel Lindo, Diana Awino, Ann Njeri, Esther Juma.

Mwamba RFC: Sinaida Nyachio, Faith Livoi, Mitchelle Alivitsa, Edith Nariaka, Naomi Amuguni, Maureen Chebet, Linet Arasa, Naomi Jelagat, Jane Chanya, Natasha Emali, Claudia Muhavi, Yvonne Khatundu.

Kenya Harlequins: Mary Khavere, Zainab Mohammed, Hellen Wanjiru, Doris Kimani, Zuhura Asman, Getrude Ambeyi, Friza Anyango, Angel Salamba, Moreen Muritu, Lovinah Mijere, Maxine Abuga.

Northern Suburbs: Carol Nyamwamu, Lewin Amazimbi, Yvette Okech, Sophie Nasimiyu, Agnes Mbone, Diana Mideva, Phoebe Akinyi, Mitchelle Chillande, Juliana Achieng, Mitchelle Atieno.

NYS Spades: Charity Nillah, Jacinta Musakali, Sheila Wesa.

Shamberere: Lawnisky Minayo, Phaustine Imbakwa.

Nakuru RFC: Grace Adhiambo, Kerina Omala, Jemima Wambui, Freshia Awino.

Rongo RFC: Lucie Amudui.

Unattached: Janet Okelo.

ALSO READ: Kenya 7s book ticket to newly launched Division 2