Uganda's Ayikoru recognised among rugby's 'Unstoppables'

Lady Rugby Cranes star Samiya Ayikoru has made the shortlist of Rugby Africa's 'Unstoppables' campaign aimed at fast-tracking the development of the women's game on the continent. 

Ayikoru is one of 12 other ladies who will be featured on the social media campaign for up to three months. Their inspirational stories will be brought to the fore and they will showcase the continent's diversity.

"We want to do something very impactful and sustainable for all women in rugby on the continent to get players, fans, and sponsors interested in the game. Our goal is to uplift the Unstoppables," Khaled Babbou the president of Rugby Africa explained.

Rugby Africa had called on all women in rugby across its member unions to share their inspiring stories to become one of the Unstoppables in the campaign. 

Without a doubt, Rugby Africa sees this as an opportunity to raise the profile of the game.

"It's an amazing opportunity to accelerate the women's game in Africa and particularly in Uganda. Hopefully, as Uganda Rugby Union, we will run a similar franchise to create more awareness about the power of rugby in breaking barriers and building leaders for tomorrow.

It's important for our young girls to have ambassadors and role models to inspire them to play more, never give up and become Unstoppable in all spheres of life," said coach Regina Lunyolo.

The Unstoppables

Abigail Kawonza (board member, coach of match officials, referee, Zimbabwe)

Babalwa Latsha (international player, springbok 15s captain, South Africa)

Christel Janet Kotze (coach and TV producer, Namibia)

Donatienne Rasoampamonjy (coach, coach trainer, club founder, Madagascar)

Fatma El-Kindiy (communication and project manager, Botswana)

Ella Paule Guei (referee, Côte d'Ivoire)

Fatou Camara Sene (administrator and communication manager, Senegal)

Rafatu Inusah (board member and educator, Ghana)

Peris Mukoko (board member, educator, match official, Kenya)

Samiya Ayikoru (international player, Uganda)

Sanaa Barakat (player, Egypt)

Wejdane Limame (citing commissioner, club president, Tunisia)