Ray of hope for rugby

Deputy Sports Editor

DESPITE long weeks of inactivity, a ray of hope filtered through for Zimbabwe’s Sables last week amid revelations by the South African Rugby Union (SARU) that they would not be cancelling the SuperSport Challenge, which is key to Brendon Dawson’s men.

The Sables camp have been monitoring the activities of their neighbours ever since the lockdowns in Zimbabwe and South Africa started. And on Thursday they heaved a sigh of relief when SARU decided to spare the SuperSport Challenge.

However, SARU cancelled the country’s participation at both the Pro14 and Super Rugby.

“These are unprecedented times, not only for rugby in South Africa, but across all spheres of life all over the globe,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby, in a statement.

“Unfortunately, we had to make some very tough calls in terms of our local competitions, but we have the buy-in and support from the local franchises and unions, SAREO, MyPlayers and our broadcaster, SuperSport, in this regard.

“The decision to cancel certain competitions and tournaments is in line with what has been happening across various sporting codes all over the world — we are not shielded from this in South Africa,” read part of the statement.

Among the events cancelled are all SA Rugby Youth Weeks, Under-13 and Under-17 Sevens, all provincial Sevens and Under-20 competitions.

But missing on that list is the SuperSport Rugby Challenge, which comes as good news for Brendan Dawson and his charges.

Dawson, who is currently hunkered down in Bulawayo, welcomed the development.

“Obviously, we are excited with this development as it gives us a glimmer of hope of salvaging our 2020 calendar year.

“The SuperSport Rugby Challenge Cup is a crucial component of our 2020 programme and will give us a good run, and the platform to asses our preparedness for the all-important Africa Cup,” said Dawson.

The Sables camp has also been affected by the pandemic.  “It has not been too bad, as we remain in lockdown after the extension,” said the Sables gaffer. “My sons are back home from Falcon College and South Africa, and we are doing our best to stay safe.

“It has (lockdown) afforded me the chance to spend more time with the family, and we are trying to stay busy with house chores and stuff.  Danny Hondo has given the entire team some training programmes, with some lucky enough to have access to gyms, while others have access to fields. We have a clean bill of health, we continue to keep tabs on everyone through a WhatsApp group and should really get down to business this coming week in terms of an actual training programme.

“Hopefully, after the lockdown we might be able to regroup for camp, should Government and the situation permit,” he said.

Before the coronavirus outbreak, the Sables were expected to return to the SuperSport Rugby Challenge Cup after having made their debut last year.

Most believe that the tournament, and the country’s participation, formed the backbone of the country’s 2019 season, which the Sables capped off by winning the Victoria Cup.

The Sables will now wait to hear the format, dates and venue of this year’s SuperSport Rugby Challenge Cup, provided the Covid-19 pandemic is contained in South Africa and across the region. Zimbabwe were originally grouped alongside South African provincial sides Western Province, Border, Sharks XV, Free State XV, Boland Cavaliers, SWD and EP Elephants.