Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo
THE legendary Lou Corbi Sevens Rugby Festival is back today at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds, celebrating an incredible 43 years of grooming young rugby talent. The festival remains Zimbabwe’s oldest and longest-running primary schools rugby development showcase, and this year’s edition promises one of its most electric atmospheres yet.
What started as a small Bulawayo initiative has grown into a national junior rugby powerhouse. Over the decades, the festival has produced stars who graduated to provincial teams, top high schools and even the national Sevens and 15s sides.
Today the legacy grows again, with 20 primary schools converging from Bulawayo, Shabani, Plumtree and Harare. It is one of the most geographically diverse line-ups the tournament has ever hosted.
Some of the notable names who have previously played the tournament include Zimbabwe Sevens star, Kholwane Moyo, former national team players Gardner Nechironga, Tarisai Mugariri and Nelson Madida among others.
Ntando Ndlovu, another former Cheetahs and Goshawks player, alongside former Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) vice president Thembelani Ncube are also a product of the tournament.
The competition is in honour of Lou Corbi, Former Old Miltonians, Matabeleland, Zimbabwe Senior National player and coach who dedicated most of time to grassroots rugby development in Western Suburbs for both primary and secondary schools.
Boys and girls will clash in the fast and furious Sevens format, bringing raw skill, teamwork and passion to the famous Hartsfield turf. Festival Project head George “Rollo” Mukorera said preparations have been smooth and the spirit of the event remains as strong as ever.
“This festival is not just a competition; it is a development platform. For 43 years it has been a stepping stone for young players, giving them their first real exposure to structured rugby. Many of the rugby names people celebrate today first touched a ball competitively at this tournament,” said Mukorera.
He added that the growth of the girls division is one of the organisers’ proudest achievements, mirroring national and global efforts to elevate women’s rugby.
Tournament Director Busani Ncube echoed the excitement and highlighted the significance of the expanding footprint.
“This year we have schools from Bulawayo, Shabani, Plumtree and Harare. That level of reach shows the trust the rugby community has in this festival. It is the oldest development tournament in Zimbabwe and still growing,” said Ncube.
He also noted that having both boys and girls divisions ensures balanced development and gives young players a real chance to be spotted by scouts and coaches.
“These children are the future of rugby. When you watch them here, you are seeing the next generation of Sables and Cheetahs,” he said.
Organisers expressed deep gratitude to sponsors who have kept the festival thriving.
Their support covers logistics, refereeing, prizes, hydration and the overall experience for the young athletes.
The Lou Corbi Sevens is known for its colourful school spirit, two-field action and a high-energy crowd. More than 500 players are expected to take part, backed by parents, coaches and administrators who carry the heartbeat of grassroots rugby.
Schools will battle through group stages before entering the knockouts. For the communities involved, the festival is more than sport; it is a celebration of youth, discipline and rising ambition.
“Rugby teaches teamwork, respect, resilience and leadership. We are proud to host an event that is 43 years strong and still shaping futures,” said Ncube.
