Chronicle EditorPaul Munyuki Sports Reporter
THE National Rugby League gets underway today with traditional rugby giants Harare Sports Club and Old Georgians engaged in fairly easy assignments while Old Hararians have a fixture-free weekend.
Old Hararians are the defending champions while both Harare Sports Club and rivals Old Georgians have won the league championship for the last six years.
No team from outside Harare has won the title in more than 10 years.
Old Georgians start their campaign with a date against newly promoted Mutare Sports Club, while Harare Sports Club host Zvishavane Bulls who finished in the relegation zone last season with both games set for Harare Sports Club.
Old Georgians — who lost in last year’s final to the Old Boys — believe their toughest matches will once again come against traditional rivals Old Hararians and Sportivo.
The Dragons have brought in Ivan Bawden and Brandon Boshi from the 2013 Craven Week team, Sebastian Roche from the 2012 Craven Week team, Sean Coles from the Zimbabwe 7s Goshawks team, Hillary Sumaira and Vellem Musarara from the Mbare Academy and Stuart Irvine from Exeter University.
“They are all hugely talented players each with an excellent approach to the game. We are excited to see what they are capable of,” said coach Grant Mitchell.
“We have lost the services of 2013 Forward of The Year Scott Flowers, Ian Armstrong (both to University of Cape Town) and Brendan Chapman who has relocated due to work commitments.
“Every match comes with its own unique challenges but the traditional strength will once again lie with OH and HSC.
“OMs showed good improvement last year and we hope they will continue to do so.
“We reviewed the good and bad of 2013 and then sat with the players to map the way forward for 2014.
“It is important that we get their buy in and contributions to what we would like to achieve as a club and how we will go about doing that.
“We have certainly been strengthened with fresh new talent. We cannot waste energy on what we have lost but rather look forward to maximising on the potential we have gained.”
Winger Boshi, centre Roche, lock Irvine and number eight Bawden have all been named in the starting XV for the Dragons and will earn their debut for OGs against Mutare this afternoon while flanker Jacques Leitao has been retained as the captain.
However, Mitchell feels the side could change as the season progresses largely because they are highly likely to lose players to other commitments.
“The biggest challenge has always been the availability of players for the full season. With commitments like work, family and education players are often taken away from the game.
“But we have worked hard at creating the right culture at the club that excites the players to train and play for the full season,” said the former Cheetahs player.
In Bulawayo, a derby is on the cards as Old Miltonians host Western Panthers at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds.
The game between Mat’land Warriors and Gweru Sports Club will come in as the curtain-raiser.
NRL fixtures:
Today: Old Georgians v Mutare Sports Club, Harare Sports Club v Zvishavane Bulls (Harare Sports Club), Mat’land Warriors v Gweru Sports Club, Old Miltonians v Western Panther (Hartsfield Rugby Grounds). *Old Hararians bye
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