Ireland’s O’Callaghan hails Zim rugby efforts

the future are bright.
O’Callaghan yesterday visited Prince Edward and Mufakose One High schools where he took time to do drills and talk to some of the schoolboys in his role as a Unicef’s Goodwill Ambassador. The Munster player has been an ambassador for the UN agency since 2009 and his visit to Zimbabwe is his second visit to Africa in his role with Unicef.
“I was in South Africa some three years ago when we came to donate some mosquito nets. It was just a small way but I was trying to play a part to help the children and I was also in Haiti six months after that earthquake.
“Now I am here in Zimbabwe and I am seeing all this talent. I have seen the passion and talent and it’s great. I believe Zimbabwe has some very good players and hopefully with the support, they can go far,” said O’ Callaghan.
During his visit to Prince Edward, the veteran lock, with 73 caps for Ireland, also took time to watch the senior national team as they prepared for their Victorian Cup tie against Kenya at Harare Sports Club today. With a big player base at schools, O’Callaghan says Zimbabwe has the potential to be force in rugby. “I have seen the senior team in training. There are some big and good players and if Zimbabwe can push well, they can go far and be a force to reckon with.
Regarded as the joker in the Irish side, O’Callaghan once sprayed maize on the ground to entice some ducks into a team meeting. Then the Munster lock insisted he could play in his bright red underpants rather than waiting for a replacement pair of shorts during their 22-12 win at Cardiff Blues in Pool Four of the Heineken Cup in 2007.
O’Callaghan began his rugby career at Highfield Rugby and later graduated to the Irish schools team before playing for the Under-19 side.
He made his international debut for Ireland when he came as a substitute against Wales in March 2003 and since then he has been a regular member of the team. The 32-year-old left Harare yesterday and is today expected to join the Irish team as they start their preparations for the IRB World Cup in New Zealand in September.
Unicef representative in Zimbabwe, Peter Salama, said O’Callaghan was one of the Goodwill Ambassadors being used in locally.
“Last week, we appointed Oliver Mtukudzi as an ambassador and we still realise that sport can be used to reach out to young children as we fight child abuse and HIV and Aids,” said Salama.