For any athlete, representing their nation is the pinnacle of achievement. For Lady Cranes 7s star Lydia Namabiro, putting on the Ugandan jersey is a profound source of pride, not just for herself, but for her family and the community that has supported her since she began her rugby journey in 2012.
“It really means a lot to me,” Namabiro reflects. “My family is proud of me, and I’ve gotten many friends who encourage me.” This pride is amplified by the unique opportunities the sport has provided, including traveling the world with the national team. “Especially last year during the Challenger Series, I managed to travel to different countries. Many people don’t get that opportunity, but I thank God I am one of those that got that privilege.”
Namabiro credits the team’s recent evolution to a powerful combination of factors: a strong player-coach bond, unwavering discipline, and the fusion of talent from different clubs. “When we come together from clubs like Black Pearls, Avengers, and Thunderbirds, we build up,” she explains, also acknowledging the vital role of the fans who travel to support them.
The growth of women’s rugby in Uganda has been tangible. Namabiro points to a pivotal moment: winning bronze at the 2023 Rugby Africa Women’s 7s in Tunisia. “It was really a big step for us because we managed to qualify for the Challenger Series. That’s when our journey began.” With eyes firmly set on the future, she adds, “This year, with the look of things, we are ready and we want to qualify again.”
The path to success is paved with hard work, and Namabiro draws inspiration from both global icons and those closest to her. She cites New Zealand’s Portia Woodman-Wickliffe as a rugby role model, admiring “her strength, the way she moves, her aggression.” In life, her mother’s hardworking spirit is her guiding light, alongside the daily encouragement from her teammates who push her through the toughest training sessions.
These efforts have culminated in unforgettable milestones, with qualifying for the Challenger Series and winning the 2023 Safari 7s standing out as her most cherished memories. Her consistent, high-level performance was also recognized nationally when she won the prestigious Fortebet Real Stars Award in March 2024 and MVP of the Buffaloes7s 2025.
“It would be a pleasure for anyone to be awarded for their hard work,” she says. “It has been one of my boosters in rugby… it’s a lifetime achievement ,and I am proud of it.”
This achievement reinforces the core message she hopes to send to every young girl watching in Uganda: “Hard work pays. It only takes belief. You have to believe in yourself and if you want something, go for it. Be passionate about it, I assure you, you will see the best version of yourself.”
For Lydia Namabiro, that passion is palpable, and it is this responsibility to inspire the next generation that fuels her every move on the pitch as she and the Lady Cranes continue their ascent in the world of rugby.
The Lady Cranes will be in action for the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s 7s Tournament scheduled for 15th to 16th 2025 at RFUEA Stadium in Nairobi. Placed in Pool C, they will play against Burkina Faso in their first game of the day at 12:22 PM, and Zambia at 03:22 PM.
All eyes now turn to the Lady Cranes who finished their 2024 Rugby Africa Women’s 7s Campaign in 3rd Position.
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