Kenya Harlequins have appointed former Lionesses prop Everlyne Kalemera as the women’s coach.
Kalemera retired from the Lionesses last year after the national team bagged the 2023 Elgon Cup against Uganda.
She played for the Lionesses during the 2019 Rugby World Cup qualifiers and Africa Cup matches against South Africa, Madagascar, and Uganda among others, and became an integral part of the team.
A statement by Quins read: “Evelyne Kalemera Joins Kenya Harlequin RFC as the women’s rugby coach and brings a wealth of rugby expertise having served as a former Kenya International player.
“With a decade-long commitment, she spent five years as a versatile utility prop with the national women’s Kenya Lioness 15’s team.
“Proficient in scrummaging, lineouts, and tackling, and renowned for her skills as a ball carrier, Evelyne actively contributed as a volunteer age-grade coach within the community rugby scene.”
The statement added: “Kalemera’s appointment as the women’s rugby coach signifies a new era for Kenya Harlequins, embodying the club’s core values of Sure, Strong, and Superior. Her wealth of experience and achievements in the sport promises an exciting journey ahead for the team.”
Her extensive rugby experience includes notable participation with the Kenya Lionesses in prestigious events such as the World Cup Repechage qualifiers, Elgon Cup, World Cup qualifiers, Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, and the World Rugby WXV III tournament.
She also contributed significantly to Mwamba Club’s success over eight years, securing victories in the Kenya Cup during the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons.