Kenya Lionesses skipper Philadelphia Olando has been appointed head coach for the Emirates Women's Rugby team.
Olando’s role will include overseeing the entire on-field women's rugby programme, girls' rugby development and will support the various coaching teams within the set-up.
A statement signed by the United Arab Emirates Rugby Federation, said they are delighted to have her on board for the assignment.
"The UAERF team is pleased to welcome Philadelphia Orlando to lead the Emirates women’s team. Philadelphia comes with a strong rugby experience, having played at the Olympics twice—Tokyo 2020 and Rio 2016—besides other international tournaments," the statement read.
“This is a new challenge for my personal development and an exciting opportunity that has been presented to me. I gladly accept with great honour," said Olando after her appointment.
“The Emirates are an unbelievable brand and I am looking forward to the challenge and how I can positively contribute towards making Emirates successful. This will be a collective effort by every person involved in the set-up and If I can contribute in any way to achieving their vision that would be great.”
Olando has been a mainstay for the Lionesses for the last decade in both 15s and Sevens and led Kenya to Elgon Cup victories over Uganda in 2014 -2016.
In 2018, she became the first Kenyan to attain World Rugby Level 2 certification in Strength and Conditioning.
