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Simba Jemwa, Sports Correspondent
ZIMBABWE’S rugby Sevens team will from next year be composed of only locally-based players as the Rugby Union (ZRU) works on cutting travel costs and to also promote the game locally.
Over the years, the Sevens’ team has been selected from among both local and foreign-based players, but the ZRU has now elected to concentrate its efforts on local players.
Speaking to Chronicle Sport yesterday, ZRU vice-president (South) Martin Shone said it will also enable the coaches to develop Sevens’ rugby locally.
“We sat as a board and discussed the possibility of selecting Sevens’ players from the local pool. For us, this will help us cut on costs as we will not have to fly in players whenever we have an engagement,” said Shone.
“We also believe this will help our coaches to encourage the development and growth of this version of the game, which in itself will help them have a larger pool of players to select from,” he added.
Shone said it will be difficult for the Sevens’ side to have a competitive edge when playing in tournaments without a viable pool of local players.
“We cannot grow this version of the game as long as we do not have local players participating and this is something the ZRU board has identified as key to Zimbabwe’s success in Sevens’ rugby,” Shone said.
Shone said the national Sevens’ coaches. Graham Kolbeck and Tafadzwa Mhende had an opportunity to see the quality of players during two Sevens’ tournaments that were recently held at Hartsfield Ground in Bulawayo and Old Georgians in Harare.
Shone credited sponsors, Unforgettable and Sable Chickens, who sponsored the Bulawayo and Harare tournaments respectively. At Hartsfield, Warriors won the tournament, while in Harare, Old Georgians were the victors.
“Our coaches were able to see the players that are available to them during two tournaments that were held in Bulawayo and Harare. As a union, we are very grateful to our sponsors, who made the events possible,” Shone told Chronicle Sport.
The Cheetahs have generally been a competitive side, but the union hopes this latest move will enable them to become one of the world’s top sides. – @RealSimbaJemwa
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