Nyangoma Norah Traton hopes that the experience she will gain on the Gallagher High Performance Academy will help to continue her pioneering work in growing women’s and girls’ rugby in Uganda.
Nyangoma was introduced to rugby in 2014, through the Tag Rugby Trust Uganda initiative and immediately fell in love with the sport.
Her passion is infectious and has helped Nyangoma introduce youngsters to rugby in schools, in Fort Portal and Tooro Lions club – which she founded and is now Head Coach of – also based in Fort Portal.
Tooro Lions were only formed in 2020, but within three years, they had been crowned Uganda’s Western Region Sevens and 15-a-side champions.
“My favourite rugby memory is winning the Western Region rugby Sevens and 15-a-side titles with Tooro Lions, in 2023,” Nyangoma told World Rugby.
“It was an incredible achievement, and a testament to our hard work and dedication.”
Nyangoma’s coaching journey began early in her playing career, while she was making the transition from touch to contact rugby on the Youth Opportunity Uganda programme. She has now become the first Ugandan participant in the Gallagher High Performance Academy.
“My coach, Cullom John, inspired me to pursue coaching, and I have been passionate about it ever since,” she said.
“He inspired me with his passion, knowledge and dedication to the sport, and I strive to emulate these qualities in my own coaching.
“Through my experiences, I’ve learned the importance of perseverance, teamwork and adaptability.
“As a coach, I’ve developed strong communication and leadership skills which have helped me motivate and guide my players.”
Nyangoma is now looking forward to sharing her skills and experiences, and exchanging ideas with other talented developing coaches from across the rugby world on the Gallagher High Performance Academy.
“I hope to gain advanced coaching skills, knowledge and networking opportunities that will help me to become a more effective and successful coach,” she said.
“I’m excited to learn from experienced coaches and share my experiences with fellow participants.
“Increasing female coaches and high performance roles is essential for promoting diversity, equality and inclusion in rugby.
“Programmes like this will help achieve this goal by providing opportunities for female coaches to develop their skills, gain experience and build networks.
“By empowering female coaches, we can create a more balanced and representative rugby community that benefits everyone involved.”
