Otwoma to captain Lionesses against Spain

Knight Otwoma will captain Kenya's Lionesses as they take on Spain in the World Rugby WXV3 campaign on Saturday at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai.

In the team sheet line-up released by Kenya Rugby Union earlier today, the experienced forward has been named the side's captain in an unusual role as she takes up the number 8 contrary to her usual hooker position.

Otwoma will be joined in the back row by the formidable Diana Kemunto and Michelle Akinyi as Naomi Jelegat and Faith Livoi form the second row partnership.

The move sees the discontinuation of the partnership of Naomi Jelagat and Bernadette Olesia that featured in back-to-back agames against Madagascar and South Africa in the World Rugby WXV qualifiers.

Vice-captain, Natasha Emali is set to lead the front row alongside Rose Otieno, Staycy Atieno and Pricah Nyerere as debutant Lewin Amazimbi joins them on the wing.

Freshia Awino will fill the fullback position, while Diana Omosso takes on the role of the starting scrumhalf, forming an important partnership with fly half Anne Goretti.

Lionesses head coach Dennis Mwanja has made the bold move to hand debutant Charity Juma her first start as she joins forces with Laureen Akoth in midfield.

The Lionesses earned a qualification to World Rugby WXV after defeating Cameroon 52-3 in their third game, having opened their campaign with a 29-20 victory over Madagascar, before South Africa thrashed them 48-0 in the second encounter.

Among the replacements, Maureen Chebet, Edith Nariaka, and Agatha Jamari are all poised for their Lionesses test debuts