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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) says they are already working on ensuring that the Young Sables get adequate preparation for the World Rugby Junior Trophy to be played next year.
The Young Sables were crowned champions of the Barthes Trophy competition in Nairobi Kenya after they edged rivals Namibia 14-19 in the final of the competition played last Sunday. The result means they qualify for the World Rugby Junior Trophy set for next year.
Prior to the final Zimbabwe had lost to Namibia in the final of the competition in 2012, 2015 and 2016.
“We are very happy with the overall performance of the team, we went in as underdogs and we were ranked 6th. Now we leave as the number 1 ranked team. Most of these players are coming from the school setup which shows the importance of school sports.
“We give credit to the school system because this is where we are getting our players. We celebrate the win and build for future tournaments,” said ZRU vice-president Martin Shone.
The Under-20 Barthes Trophy which is named after the late World Rugby’s Services Manager for Africa, Jean-Luc Barthes, is the biggest competition for Under-20 players on the continent.
Zimbabwe were joined at this year’s edition by hosts Kenya, Madagascar, Senegal, Tunisia, Cote d’Ivoire and Zambia.
Hosts Kenya claimed bronze after thrashing Madagascar 49-15 in the third-place match at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Tunisia beat Uganda 24-11 in the 5th place playoff. The 7th place playoff saw Zambia beat Cote D’Ivoire 22-8.
In the 7/8th playoff, Zambia got their first win of the tournament as they defeated Cote D’Ivoire 22-8 to finish in 7th position ahead of their opponents who finished bottom of the pile in this year’s tourney. – @innocentskizoe
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