Online Reporter
Zimpapers sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) has dismissed social media claims that Sables players were being accommodated in a dilapidated property during preparations for next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
A Facebook post carrying 11 images of a rundown house alleged that the property was being used to accommodate national team players in camp.
The post claimed the players referred to it as the “ghost house.”
It also alleged that the Sables were owed US$15,000 in bonuses for qualifying for the World Cup. ZRU’s statement did not address the bonus claim.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the union said no Sables players had stayed at the property during World Cup preparations or while on official national duty.
“ZRU wishes to clarify that no Sables players have been accommodated at the property depicted in the images in preparation for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, nor have Sables players been accommodated there while on official national team camp or national duty,” the union said.
“The property depicted is not leased, operated or managed by the Zimbabwe Rugby Union, and the union has not designated the property as official accommodation for the Sables.”
ZRU said it had launched an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the images and their association with the national team.
“Given the nature of the claims being circulated and the use of imagery and references associated with the national team, the Zimbabwe Rugby Union has initiated an investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the matter,” the statement read.
The union said player welfare and the reputation of the national team remained priorities.
“The union takes the welfare of its players, the integrity of the national team and the reputation of Zimbabwe Rugby seriously,” it said.
“ZRU equally takes seriously any conduct which, following proper investigation, may be found to violate the laws of Zimbabwe.
“We therefore urge the public and media to allow the facts to be established and to avoid presenting unverified claims as fact.”
