Rugby turns focus to internationals

are set to take part in an Africa Zone tournament.
At the same time, the Young Sables have also started their preparations for the Junior World Rugby Trophy tournament that is set for Georgia next month.
The Young Sables qualified for the annual youth tournament last year after winning the Junior Africa Cup that also serves as the qualifier for the world tournament.
Sables manager, Noddy Kanyangarara, who is also the National Rugby League president, yesterday indicated that the technical committee will meet this week and map the way forward.
The Sables are set to take part in a Confederation of Africa rugby tournament that has been pencilled for Uganda in mid-June and the former Old Hararians assistant coach believes now is the right time to start organising for the tournament.
“As the technical team, we are expected to meet this week and discuss on various programmes in line with the preparations for the tournament in Uganda.
“This would also include things like the training programme that the players will have to go through, the logistics for the players as we are going to have part-camps during the build-up to the main camp.
“It’s about six weeks before the tournament so this week we will map out the plan but we are going to announce the first training squad for the Sables next week.
“Selection is an ongoing thing we constantly do and we regularly monitor the players in the local league so it is after this meeting that we will announce the players that would have made it for the Sables squad,” said Kanyangarara.
“Players in Harare will be training probably at Harare Sports Club under assistant coach Cyprian Mandenge and with myself helping out.
“Those in Bulawayo will be under coach Brandon Dawson but during the course the training programme we are hopeful that we will be able to have a weekend or some weekends where players will come together and have one training session.”
While the Sables are still contemplating on the way forward, the Young Sables have already started their preparations for the junior tournament set for next month.
Yesterday, the side went through their paces at Prince Edward school in the morning under coach Brighton Chivandire and his assistant Godwin “Jaws” Murambiwa.
“A number of other players that are either foreign-based or were away with their schools on tour abroad have returned and they were looking okay,” said Murambiwa.
Meanwhile, defending National Rugby League champions Old Georgians maintained their unbeaten run and remained on top of the log standings following a 79-3 thrashing of Panthers.
Old Hararians beat Busters 23-20 in a scrappy match at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds.
Sports Club had no mercy for Mutare Sports Club, coming out 63-3 victors in the eastern border town while Old Miltonians upset Airforce with a 24-18 win at Manyame Airbase.