adminNgoni Dapira
THE approval by the International Rugby Board World Rugby Council on Sunday for Zimbabwe to host the second tier Junior World Rugby Trophy finals next year has given Zimbabwe the opportunity to showcase its rugby prowess. The automatic entry as hosts has thrown a second lifeline to the Zimbabwe national Under-20 side which came agonisingly close to winning the finals against Namibia at the recently held African qualifiers. Namibia won the finals. Zimbabwe Rugby Union announced on Monday that World Rugby Council had approved the decision to take the tournament to Zimbabwe.
The tournament is expected to run from April 19 to May 1, 2016. Eight teams are set to battle it out, with a spot at the World Rugby U20 Championship 2017 on offer for the winner.
Hosts Zimbabwe qualify automatically for the tournament and will be joined by South America’s Uruguay, African qualifier winners, Namibia and Samoa, who were relegated from this year’s U20 Championship. The remaining four teams will be regional qualifiers from Europe, North America, Oceania and Asia. In a telephone interview on Tuesday, ZRU technical director, Brighton Chivandire, said the opportunity would be ideal for the country to showcase its junior rugby proficiency.
“This is beyond doubt a momentous opportunity for us to showcase our skills and walk the talk. We always cry for opportunities to test our pedigree and prove the true potential Zimbabwe’s rugby has. This will be that right platform to do so,” said Chivandire.
Tinashe Francis Mungwari who was part of the U-20 side that lost in the African qualifiers expressed delight for the second shot at goal. He said given more time to prepare the current U-20 side had the potential to make history and win the Cup.
“I believe we can raise the bar from our performance in the African qualifiers. We just had two weeks of practise the last time but almost beat Namibia that had over a month’s practise as a tea. With the support of the home crowd as the hosts I am confident we will make history next year. I feel very happy and hope to get another shot in the call up for the squad,” said Mungwari.
In a Press statement, World Rugby head of competitions and performance, Mark Egan, said: “We are excited about bringing such a prestigious tournament to Zimbabwe for the first time. I have no doubt that fans will see some excellent rugby on display and that the ZRU will work tirelessly to ensure that this is a fantastic event for both fans and players and that an excellent legacy programme for the future growth of the game in Zimbabwe will be delivered.”
Online Reporter