“ECOWAS and Algeria have agreed to hold regular discussions on the political and security situation in West Africa and the Sahel, as well as the plight of irregular migrants”. This was the commitment made by H.E. Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, and H.E. Ahmed ATTAF, Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad, at their meeting in Algiers on April 23-26, 2024.

Following an invitation from the Algerian authorities and an audience with Minister ATTAF, Dr Omar Alieu Touray expressed his satisfaction at the willingness and commitment of the Algerian authorities to contribute to resolving the problems and challenges facing the West African region and the Sahel.

The meeting enabled the two parties to share views and analyses on political and security developments in the region, and to examine ways of strengthening their coordination in the face of the common challenges facing the countries and peoples of the region.

At the end of their discussions, ECOWAS and Algeria have agreed (i) to have regular engagements and coordination of efforts aimed at finding a solution to the political and security crises in the region; and (ii) to maintain fraternal relations and commitments by all parties.

Algeria also expressed its willingness to discuss with ECOWAS proposals aimed at finding a solution for the safe and humane repatriation of irregular immigrants on its territory to their countries of origin.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Kenya Lionesses Fifteens Coach Paul Murunga has named the 28 woman Lionesses squad to this year’s Rugby Africa Women’s Cup taking place in Antananarivo, Madagascar from May 4-12.

Natasha Emali captains the side that has thirteen changes from the side that did duty at the World Rugby WXV 3 competition in Dubai, UAE last October. These are changes necessitated by the Lionesses participation at the final round of the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series set for 18-19 May in Krakow, Poland.

The experienced Linet Moraa returns to the Lionesses alongside Hesla Khisa and Diana Awino while Jane Chanya, Sheila Wesa, Mitchelle Atieno, Mitchelle Alivitsa, Refa Ochando, Hellen Achieng, Elizabeth Wekesa, Nolin Khaleyi,Carol Nyamwamu and Hellen Anyango are all handed maiden call ups.

Murunga said, ““Our structures are much better than last year…remember last year we were playing at that level for the first time. Then we went and competed at the WXV 3 in Dubai for the first time as well. We haven’t played much this year but I think in terms of mental strength we are in a much better position to play against South Africa and do well.”

Murunga further expressed hope that those selected will be able to fill in capably for others who are currently in camp with the national 7s side ahead of next month’s Challenger Series in Poland.

“The squad has trained for around two months and the good thing is most of the girls have been playing in the Kenya Cup. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get most of the backline players who are training with the national 7s side and are supposed to travel to Poland. We have managed to find other girls who will help us make the numbers and among them are seven rookies who will be travelling with us,” the coach said.

This year’s Rugby Africa Women’s Cup will be played on a round robin basis and features defending champions South Africa, Kenya, hosts Madagascar and Cameroon.

Lionesses Squad | Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2024 | May 4-12 | Antanaravivo, Madagascar Natasha Emali (Captain), Rose Otieno (Vice Captain), Knight Otwoma,Jane Chanya, Maureen Chebet, Faith Livoi, Enid Ouma, Diana Kemunto, Naomi Jelagat, Winnie Owino, Ann Ochieng, Terry Ayesa, Esther Juma, Lewin Amazimbi, Diana Awino, Diana Omoso, Mitchelle Atieno,Sheila Wesa, Hesla Khisa, Mitchelle Akinyi, Mitchelle Alivitsa, Refa Ochando, Hellen Achieng, Elizabeth Wekesa, Nolin Khaleyi, Linet Moraa ,Carol Nyamwamu ,Hellen Anyango

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).

Please be advised of the following media opportunities in the build-up to the Junior Springboks’ second Under-20 Rugby Championship match against Australia on Tuesday, 7 May at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Bokarina, Queensland. All activities are subject to change and listed in Australian Eastern Standard Time, which is +8 hours ahead of SA time.

Saturday, 4 May

11h30-12h30: Field training session, with first 20 minutes open for filming and photography.

19h00-19h30: Online interview opportunities with selected players. Please confirm media attendance, and request for the meeting link 24 hours in advance, to rayaan@sarugby.co.za.

Sunday, 5 May

Team announcement via media release

Monday, 6 May

15h15: Team photo at the Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort – open for media filming.

17h15-18h00: Captains Run at the Sunshine Coast Stadium – first 20 minutes open for filming and photography.

19h00-19h20: Online interview opportunity with a coach – contact rayaan@sarugby.co.za to confirm attendance and request for the meeting link.

Tuesday, 7 May

19h00: Junior Springboks vs Australia U20 at the Sunshine Coast Stadium

21h00 (approximate starting time): Online post-match media conference with coach and a player. Please contact rayaan@sarugby.co.za for confirmation of attendance and meeting link.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.

Note to Editors: This schedule is for planning purposes only and not for publication. The times indicated may change at short notice, and media are advised to arrive 30 minutes in advance for training and the team photo if the team arrive early.

For further information, please contact:
Andy Colquhoun
GM: Communications and Commercial
+27 (0) 21 928 7010
+27 (0) 82 926 0789
andyc@sarugby.co.za

De Jongh Borchardt
Communications Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7021
+27 (0) 82 999 9979
dejonghb@sarugby.co.za

Rayaan Adriaanse
Junior Rugby Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7013
+27 (0) 82 999 0022
rayaan@sarugby.co.za

Sindiswa Ximba
Media Operations Coordinator
+27 (0) 21 928 7011
+27 (0) 60 504 1069
sindiswa.ximba@sarugby.co.za

Zeena Isaacs
Springbok Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7020
+27 (0) 82 357 3112
ZeenaI@sarugby.co.za

JJ Harmse
Sevens and Women’s Rugby Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7014
+27 (0) 71 480 4570
jjharmse@sarugby.co.za

Follow us on:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4dqgE5N
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/3QwdqE9
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4b2OxIb
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/44tA71n
TikTok: https://apo-opa.co/4aYmLNh

The Hollywoodbets Sharks will have a golden opportunity to make history by becoming the first South African franchise to advance to the EPCR Challenge Cup final when they face Clermont Auvergne in a blockbuster semi-final at the Twickenham Stoop in London on Saturday.

With their Vodacom United Rugby Championship playoff hopes already dashed following a disappointing start to the season, this will mark a significant occasion for the KwaZulu-Natalians to earn some redemption in a season of mixed fortunes.

Given the close margins between the teams this season it is expected to be a humdinger.

Both sides suffered only one defeat in the competition to date, while Clermont hold a narrow one-point lead over the Hollywoodbets Sharks on points’ difference in their five matches. Adding to this, both sides come off morale-boosting victories last weekend in the Vodacom URC and French Top 14.

While Clermont will enter the match with confidence after registering a convincing 41-18 victory at home against Stade Francais in the Top 14, the Hollywoodbets Sharks will draw inspiration from their 32-27 victory against the Scarlets in Llanelli in the Vodacom URC – not only because of the fighting spirit they showed to hold on for the victory in a tense finish to the match, but also given the fact that it was an away game.

Interestingly, the teams find themselves in a similarly precarious position this season with disappointing performances early in the season, with the Durbanites having won four of their 15 matches in the Vodacom URC, while Clermont’s track record shows nine wins in 22 outings in the Top 14, making this a vital clash for both teams.

The match kicks off at 13h30 on Saturday and will be broadcast live on SuperSport. The second semi-final, between Gloucester and Benetton, kicks off at 16h00.

EPCR Challenge Cup semi-final – Hollywoodbets Sharks v Clermont Auvergne

Date: Saturday, 4 May

Venue: Twickenham Stoop, London

SA Time: 13h30

Referee: Luke Pearce

TV: SuperSport

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.

Media Resources:
Investec Champions Cup:
Latest News: https://apo-opa.co/3WlN2Az
Fixtures&Results: https://apo-opa.co/3UL5KjC
Standings: https://apo-opa.co/3UIcu1T
Digital Tournament Guide: https://apo-opa.co/4boGoxQ
Official Website: www.EPCRugby.com/

EPCR Challenge Cup:
Latest News: https://apo-opa.co/3WlN2Az
Fixtures&Results: https://apo-opa.co/3JJks4H
Standings: https://apo-opa.co/3UtNfii
Official Website: https://apo-opa.co/3wbwLUe

Media managers’ contacts:
Team: Vodacom Bulls
Media Manager: Lunga Kupiso
E-mail address: lunga.k@bluebull.co.za

Team: DHL Stormers
Media Manager: Michael de Vries
E-mail address: mdevries@wprugby.co.za

Team: Emirates Lions
Media Manager: Nyaniso Sam
E-mail address: nyaniso@ellispark.co.za

Team: Hollywoodbets Sharks
Media Manager: Novashni Chetty
E-mail address: novashni@thesharks.co.za

Team: Toyota Cheetahs
Media Manager: Ronel Pienaar
E-mail address: ronel@fsrugby.co.za

Team: EPCR: Director of Comms&PR
Media Manager: Anna Young
E-mail address: anna.young@epcrugby.com

Team: EPCR: Communications Manager
Media Manager: Mark Jones
E-mail address: mark.jones@epcrugby.com

SA Rugby on social media:
@Springboks (Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/44tfTVJ and Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4dr3KEu) | @bokrugby (Instagram)

For further information, please contact:
Andy Colquhoun
GM: Communications and Commercial
+27 (0) 21 928 7010
+27 (0) 82 926 0789
andyc@sarugby.co.za

De Jongh Borchardt
Communications Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7021
+27 (0) 82 999 9979
dejonghb@sarugby.co.za

Rayaan Adriaanse
Junior Rugby Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7013
+27 (0) 82 999 0022
rayaan@sarugby.co.za

Sindiswa Ximba
Media Operations Coordinator
+27 (0) 21 928 7011
+27 (0) 60 504 1069
sindiswa.ximba@sarugby.co.za

Zeena Isaacs
Springbok Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7020
+27 (0) 82 357 3112
ZeenaI@sarugby.co.za

JJ Harmse
Sevens and Women’s Rugby Media Manager
+27 (0) 21 928 7014
+27 (0) 71 480 4570
jjharmse@sarugby.co.za

Follow us on:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4dqgE5N
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/3QwdqE9
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4b2OxIb
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/44tA71n
TikTok: https://apo-opa.co/4aYmLNh

SA teams’ digital platforms:

Investec Champions Cup

Vodacom Bulls:
Web: BullsRugby.co.za
FB: https://apo-opa.co/4dnosp0
X: https://apo-opa.co/3y1yf3Z
IG: https://apo-opa.co/3QpEPY3

DHL Stormers:
Web: TheStormers.co.za
FB: https://apo-opa.co/3Usi5rD
X: https://apo-opa.co/3Qv6KWL
IG: https://apo-opa.co/4b1LdgE

EPCR Challenge Cup

Emirates Lions:
Web: LionsRugby.co.za
FB: https://apo-opa.co/4dlE0cJ
X: https://apo-opa.co/4dsWYOT
IG: https://apo-opa.co/44sIhqT

Hollywoodbets Sharks:
Web: SharksRugby.co.za
FB: https://apo-opa.co/3UHEkeK
X: https://apo-opa.co/3UL85Lq
IG: https://apo-opa.co/3Wmrxj7

Toyota Cheetahs:
Web: FSCheetahs.co.za
FB: https://apo-opa.co/3QtT3Yf
X: https://apo-opa.co/3QvsGkm
IG: https://apo-opa.co/4a7ccWT