ZRU begin road to World Rugby U20 Trophy

Innocent Kurira

THE Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) says it has put into motion training programmes ahead of the Young Sable’s participation at the World Rugby U20 Trophy tournament to be held this July in Kenya.

Zimbabwe qualified for the international tournament following their impressive performance at the recently ended Barthes Trophy competition.

The Young Sables successfully defended their Rugby Africa Under-20 Barthes Trophy title by beating hosts Kenya 28-7 (half-time 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.

ZRU vice-president Martin Shone said: “Following the impressive showing by our Young Sables at the Barthes competition, we want to make sure the boys get adequate preparation for this more challenging task.

“We are going to be trying out other players as well as we seek to come up with the best possible squad. We will have a squad of 50 players to start with. The squad will feature the 28 players that went to the Barthes tournament and other players that will include university players from our system who were not available due to exam commitments in the UK, USA and Ireland.”

For the World Cup, the Young Sables were drawn in Group A with Scotland, Uruguay and the qualifying team between Canada and USA who are still to conclude their qualification process.

Group B comprises Kenya, Samoa, Spain and Hong Kong China. 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 having served as hosts in 2016.

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 GondoMukandapi , 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.

Centre: 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