Metro Challenge Cup fixtures announced

The contest stretches over four weekends and features major and emerging Harare city club men and women’s teams and a contingent for visiting clubs.
It is predominantly played at a time when the Sables are on international duty.

This will present a golden opportunity for coaches in the National Rugby League to select second string players who will make it into their first team squads.
“It is a time when other players can enjoy playing rugby at a more relaxed time rather than the hectic competitive times when the NRL is at its peak,” said ZRU interim general manager, Sifiso Made.

“The tournament is all about participationg and having more players, especially new ones, playing for clubs.”
There are a lot of prizes for teams to take home – the tournament will have a cup final for men and women’s teams, a shield final and a plate final.

Eighteen teams, featuring 12 male teams and six women’s sides, will take part in the tournament.
Week One will feature 12 matches at Harare Sports Club starting at 10am.

July marks the beginning of the 2012 Victoria Cup which will see the Sables playing Kenya and Uganda in a Tri-Nations Confederation of African Rugby competition.
The tournament will involve most of the major names in the NRL such as Daniel Hondo and Jacque Leiato.
Among the teams participating is a former giant that is waking up from its slumber, Black Rhinos, who are set to make a huge comeback in the NRL. 

The teams
Men’s teams
1. Old Hararians
2. Harare sports Club
3. Red Lions
4. Edwardians
5. Tobacco Industries
6. Police
7. Mufakose
8. Southern City
9. Mabvuku
10. Mbare
11. Black Rhinos
12. Airforce
Women’s teams
1. Old Hararians
2. Harare Sports Club
3. Police
4. Rainbow
5. Harare Select
6. Airforce
Week one schedule
1000hrs  Women  OH v Police
1020hrs  Men  Police v HSC
1110hrs  W  H/Select v HSC
1130hrs  M  Tobacco v Black Rhinos
1220hrs  W  Airforce v R Sharks
1250hrs  M   Edwardians v Mbare
1340hrs  W  OH v R Sharks
1400hrs  M  Red Lions v Mabvuku
1450hrs  W  H/select v Police
1510hrs  M  HSC v Southern City
1600hrs  W  Airforce v HSC
1620hrs  M  OH v Mufakose