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THERE was more excitement for Zimbabwe rugby as the men’s national rugby side, the Sables, are set to play in the 2017 edition of South Africa’s Currie Cup tournament — the oldest domestic rugby competition in the world. Just this week, Zimbabwe were officially accepted into the South Africa Rugby Union club system, with the indication that 2016 national champions will take part in the Gold Cup tournament — a 20-team tournament that is made up of 18 South African teams and includes Namibia and Zimbabwe.
However, the best news that has hit Zimbabwe is that the Sables will be taking part in the Currie Cup tournament that is currently made up of 14 South African provincial teams and Namibia but the inclusion of Zimbabwe in 2017 is expected to make it a 16-team competition.
Zimbabwe Rugby Union director of rugby Brighton Chivandire yesterday refused to be drawn into giving out more details on the deal, adding that he could not comment on the issue in his capacity as a board member but The Herald has it on good ground that the Sables will be part of the 2016 Currie Cup competition.
“But as a rugby person, who would not be interested in playing in such a tournament. This would take us back at least to the levels of the mid 90’s when we once took part in the competition and that was the year we also beat the British Barbarians at the Police Grounds.
“That made us a more competitive unit and I do not believe that there could be anyone who would turn down that kind of an offer. However, we do not have the details as yet because these are things that are discussed at the SARU council meetings (their last being last Friday when they welcomed Zimbabwe club rugby).
“We are very fortunate that Rugby Africa has been listening to us as a union and when we talk about the growth of the game in Zimbabwe they listen to us very well,” said the former Sables lock.
Last week, the format of the Currie Cup competition was reviewed and this saw the number of teams increase to 15 as Rugby World Cup competitors Namibia will join the 14 South African provincial unions and it is in 2017 that the number of teams will also be increased to 16 to even up the numbers.
World Rugby vice-president, South African Oregan Hoskins last year toured Zimbabwe in May during the Dairibord Schools Festival where he told The Herald that there was a chance of Zimbabwe playing in South Africa.
“We have discussed the possibility of Zimbabwe playing in South Africa’s domestic competition. This is something that is long overdue and I will take back to my country and look into it going forward.
“As you know, Namibia has played in our domestic competition, Kenya are currently playing in (one of) our domestic competitions and now it’s important that we get Zimbabwe to play in South Africa’s domestic competitions.
“That will strengthen the game in Zimbabwe and will also restore the relations we have had over the many years which have not been there over the last couple of decades,” Hoskins told The Herald.
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