Andrew
Online Reporter
NOW the Nedbank Rugby Challenge Cup is done and dusted, it looks like the Zimbabwe Rugby Union will now shift their attention to the shorter format of the game.
Two sevens’ tournaments are currently lined up for the first weeks of April, with the union hoping to use the competitions as preparations for the country’s trips to Uganda and Tunisia for the Africa Cup.
The first round of games – the Sables Summer Series – are currently slated for April 2 to 3, and will see 12 senior men’s teams and six women’s and junior clubs from Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru and Mutare battle it out for spots in ‘The Battle of the Zambezi Challenger Series’.
The winners will then face Zambia and Botswana teams for the title championship at the Zambezi Challenger series slated for April 9 to 10.
According to a press statement from the Union, the Zimbabwe National Sevens Rugby Committee (Cheetahs) is partnering with Sable Chickens and Zambezi (Delta Corporation) to host the tournaments.
The tournaments will also be used as trials for the Cheetahs, and their lady counterparts are expected to take part at the Africa Cup Sevens Tournament in Uganda and Tunisia later in the month.
The games will be played over two weekends at Harare Sports Club.
“The objective of these tournaments is in line with the Cheetahs’ vision to develop and empower an all-local national squad that will represent Zimbabwe regionally and internationally,” reads the statement.
“This is also part of our strategic development plan, which encourages an increased level of participation in sport, thus leading to improved sports performance.
“The tournaments are also meant to assist our national teams with game time in preparation for the Africa Sevens Cup in Uganda and Tunisia,” added the statement.
The men and women’s Africa Cup Sevens Tournaments will run concurrently and are currently slated for April 21 to 25 in Uganda and Tunisia.
Online Reporter