Young Sables Begin World Rugby U20 Preps

YOUNG Sables coach Sean De Souza says the idea of having a 45-man training squad is necessitated by the need to increase competition in the team and come up with the best squad for the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy tournament to be held in Kenya in July.

Zimbabwe qualified for the international tournament following their impressive performance that saw them defend their title at the Barthes Trophy by beating hosts Kenya 28-7 (halftime 27-7) despite playing the last 30 minutes with 14 men in an exciting final at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.

The victory ensured the Junior Sables maintained their position as the best African Under-20 team outside of South Africa.

The 2023 edition of the global Under-20 competition run from July 15-30.

Zimbabwe were drawn in Group A for the World Rugby, opening their account with a clash against Scotland, followed by Uruguay and then the winner from the qualifier between Canada and the USA.

Group B comprises Kenya, Samoa, Spain, and Hong Kong China.

Zimbabwe’s coach said they will play a number of friendly matches against local clubs as part of their preparations.

“We have got our preparations under way. We have partnered with a gym where our players will do their fitness and conditioning.

We have a friendly match against Old Georgians coming up this weekend. The friendly matches will help us with the combinations we are trying out. The squad is bloated so as to see if we can add value and increase competition in the squad,” said De Souza.

He said they keeping an eye on Scotland who are the highest-ranked team in the group.

“We have done reviews on Scotland to see the areas which we can penetrate. We played Uruguay last year and we have an idea of how they play,” said De Souza.

Kenya will host the World Rugby Under-20 tournament having previously done so in 2009.
The event will be held in Africa for the third time, with Zimbabwe serving as the hosts in 2016.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) is frantically running around in search of sponsors to financially assist the side’s international assignment.

The Young Sables’ impressive performances have won the hearts of many, with ZRU planning ways to fundraise for the team.

Training Squad
Prop: Tadiwa Chinwada, Gerry Zisengwe, Gealan Jaricha, Martin Hakunavanhu, Nqobile Manyara, Happias Zhou, Farai Madzima, Tadiwanashe Marumisa
Hooker: Bryan Chiang, Stanley Muranganwa, Takunda Mudzingwa, Takudzwa Zvomuya
Locks: Tanaka Gondo Mukandapi, Huntley Masterson, Tamuka Kambani, Leo Mutendi, Tawananyasha Bwanya
Loose trio: Allan Mawunga, Shingirai Manyarara, Tanaka Ndoro, Muzuva Gutu, Hagler Muchenji, Tashinga Makiwa, Kelvin Kaseke, Tendai Maruma, Mwaita Makanza, Vincent Chimwendo
Scrum half: Panashe Zuze, Shadrick Mandaza, Welton Charumbira, Cody Grant
Fly half: Brendan Marume, Benoni Nhekairo, Kholwani Moyo
Cenre: Alex Nyamunda, Dion Khumalo, Tanaka Chinyanga, Kudakwashe Nyamushaya, Tadiwanashe Unganai, Vuyani Ncube
Back three: Edward Sigauke, Munotida Marimirofa, Brendan Jameson, Panashe Mugorogodi, Taona Mapani, Kelton Kaseke, David Yosa
Utility player Back: Tawanda Matipano, Simbarashe Kanyangarara — @innocentskizoe