Rugby: Mwanja names Muyuka captain as Lionesses head to Uganda for Africa Cup

Kenya Lionesses and China players in action during their Group D match of the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series at Estadio Santa Laura, Chile on August 12 2022. [World Rugby]

Kenya Lionesses head coach Dennis Mwanja on Wednesday named Peruz Muyuka captain ahead of the 2022 Eastern Rugby Africa Women's Cup which kicked off on Tuesday in Uganda.

Lionesses will play Uganda and Zambia in Kampala in a round-robin format competition with the aim of qualifying for the 2023 Rugby Africa Cup that will feature winners from other regions.

Uganda kicked off the tournament on Tuesday with a 36-17 win over Zambia.

The team that emerges top of the three will advance to next year's Pool A which has continental champions South Africa, Zimbabwe. and Namibia.

The Lionesses enter a crucial period where they have a chance to qualify for the new annual global women's 15s competition that will debut next year.

The Lionesses will begin their campaign with a clash against Zambia at 4.00pm on Saturday before playing hosts Uganda at 4.00pm on Wednesday next week.

Kenya Lionesses squad:
Peruz Muyuka, Stephanie Waithera, Rose Otieno, Evelyne Kalemera, Natasha Emali, Staycy Atieno, Knight Otwoma, Bernadette Olesia, Hesla Khisa, Phoebe Akiny, Naomi Amuguni, Diana Kemunto, Prisca Nyerere, Leah Wambui, Grace Adhiambo, Ann Goretti, Jean Bisela, Maureen Muritu, Stellah Wafulah, Judith Akumu, Winnie Owino, Naomi Jelagat, Christable Lindo, Laurine Akoth, Terry Ayesa.