Emily Lekuru makes history with Japanese rugby move

Ugandan rugby star Emily Lekuru has broken new ground by becoming the first Ugandan woman to sign a professional contract with Japanese club Hokkaido Barbarians Diana. 

The Black Pearls standout, widely regarded as Uganda's best female player, has departed for Japan to begin her professional career.

Lekuru's journey has been marked by both brilliance on the pitch and controversy off it. Her decision to prioritize personal commitments over national team call-ups has drawn criticism, leading to a three-year absence from the Crested Cranes.

"The lack of respect for players' personal circumstances has been my biggest challenge," Lekuru revealed. "When I missed call-ups for final exams in 2022 and work commitments in 2023, I was labeled undisciplined rather than understood."

The talented winger has faced apparent repercussions for her stance, including being overlooked for awards despite stellar performances - like an 11-try haul against the Panthers this season. "Scoring tries doesn't automatically make you MVP, they tell me," she noted wryly.

Lekuru has turned to mental health resources like The Zen Haven to cope with the fallout. She advocates for better support systems for athletes and improved financial backing for women's rugby clubs.

"Women's clubs operate independently with little support," she explained. "Better planning and communication from the Union could help clubs secure sponsors and plan better."

While her national team future remains uncertain, Lekuru is clear about her priorities: "I've chosen to focus on myself, my job, and my club." Her move to Japan represents not just a career breakthrough, but potentially a path back to international rugby - on her own terms.

As she prepares for this new chapter, Lekuru's story highlights both the opportunities and challenges facing Uganda's female athletes as they balance personal aspirations with national expectations in an often unforgiving sporting landscape.