Ugandan rugby star Peace Lekuru has officially joined English side York Valkyrie, becoming the first Ugandan woman to sign for a Women’s Super League rugby club.
Lekuru, 25, arrived in North Yorkshire earlier this month and has already made her mark, scoring a hat-trick against Barrow Ladies in one of her first matches for the club. She plays as a centre and backrower.
Speaking after her signing, Lekuru expressed her pride and excitement at the milestone.
“I feel like I’m lifting the Ugandan flag high. Being here in York feels like a dream come true. I’ve found another family at the club,” she said.
Her move was facilitated by York Valkyrie’s director of rugby, Lindsay Anfield, who has been involved in developing rugby in East Africa for nearly two decades through the Tag Rugby Trust.
Anfield first spotted Lekuru during a tour of Uganda, where Lekuru was a standout player with local side Entebbe Baleen.
“Peace has been on our radar since we toured Uganda. She has the skills, strength, and mindset to thrive in this league. I’m really proud of her,” Anfield said.
Lekuru began playing rugby at the age of 12 and has since become a standout figure in Ugandan women’s rugby, leading her team to victory in the 2023 Ugandan Rugby League.
Despite initial concerns from her family about moving abroad, Lekuru said her mother now fully supports her decision.
“She just wants to see me happy and smiling,” Lekuru said.
The Valkyrie star has quickly settled in, describing her new surroundings as “really lovely” and praising the welcoming nature of her teammates and the club.
“There’s no difference between home and here. The team is friendly and loving. I’m really enjoying my time in York,” She said.
York Valkyrie hopes Lekuru’s signing will inspire more African women to pursue professional rugby careers.
“Peace is a trailblazer. Hopefully, she’s the first of many. This is just the beginning for Ugandan women in global rugby.” said Anfield.
“My journey started way back. I first played Tag-Rugby when I was in secondary school (Airforce S.S) before coming to the full version of rugby” she recalls.
Lekuru was inspired by Beatrice Atim and Sammy Ayikuru into this game and always looked to them as a big inspiration alongside All Black’s Portia Woodman Wickliffe.
Lekuru was born on 26th June 2000 at Entebbe Grade B Hospital to Robert Aribo and Agnes Awancha.
She hails from the famous Lake Victoria Peninsular town of Entebbe where she was basically raised from scratch.
Lekuru held her elementary education at Morning Star Nursery School – Katabi and St Bernaddine Katabi before progressing to St Joseph’s Katabi Primary School.
She then proceeded to Airforce Secondary School for her O-Level education and completed her education journey at Huys Link Community Initiative Vocational School Nkumba.
