Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Rugby Union Interim Management Committee (IMC) have come out in full voice to condemn the actions of a Christian Brothers College parent, who attacked a match official and allegedly brandished a firearm, during a schoolboy rugby match over the weekend.
The incident is believed to have occurred during a match pitting Eaglesvale and Christian Brothers College after the final whistle when the former scored a last-minute penalty to win the match.
The matter is currently before the police, with the Zimbabwe Republic (ZRP) confirming the incident and revealing an investigation has been opened.
“The ZRP confirms that investigations are currently underway in connection with a firearm incident and assault case which occurred at Eaglesvale College, Harare, on June 13, 2026,” read a statement by the police on their social media.
“The incident took place during a rugby match between Christian Brothers College (CBC) and Eaglesvale College.
“The ZRP urges calm among parents, students, administrators and stakeholders as police investigations continue,” read the statement.
However, the Zimbabwe Rugby Union IMC have since added their voice to the matter, strongly condemning the actions by the alleged parent.
In the statement released by the union yesterday, the game’s custodians reiterated their zero tolerance for violence towards the game itself and against their officials and players.
“The Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) have been formally notified of an incident that occurred between a parent and a referee on June 13, 2026, at Eaglesvale School during the match between Christian Brothers College (CBC) and Eaglesvale School,” read the statement.
“The Zimbabwe Rugby Union condemns any acts of violence in the strongest possible terms. Our match officials are the backbone of this sport, and any act of intimidation, abuse or violence against them is an attack on the integrity of rugby itself and will be treated accordingly.
“The ZRU reaffirms its absolute and unwavering zero-tolerance policy on violence, intimidation, and abuse directed at any match official, player, coach or spectator.
“This policy applies at every level of the game, from school fixtures to national competitions.
The union is believed to have opened their own investigations, with the punishment expected to be doled out to any institution or individual found guilty.
“The conduct witnessed on 13 June 2026 is entirely unacceptable and contrary to the values of rugby: Respect, Discipline, Passion, Integrity and Solidarity,” went on the statement.
“The ZRU’s disciplinary structures will convene to consider the appropriate sanctions, which may be applied to individuals and/or institutions found to have been responsible after all investigations have been completed.
“To every referee serving this game across Zimbabwe, you are valued.
“You are protected and you will not be abandoned.
“The ZRU and the Zimbabwe Rugby Referees Society are united in ensuring that you can perform your duties in a safe environment. “ Any incident of abuse or assault must be reported immediately through your provincial referees’ society.
“We commit to standing behind you in every such case through disciplinary processes, legal proceedings, and ongoing support.
“No official should ever feel alone in facing violent or abusive behaviour. We are here. Report it.
“We will act,” read the statement.
The statement went to assure all rugby stakeholders that the sport is safe.
“To every rugby player in Zimbabwe at school, club and national level, rugby is built on respect.
“Respect for your teammates, opponents and, above all, the officials who give their time so that you can play.
“The decisions of match officials must be accepted on the field.
“Disputing a call, confronting a referee, or encouraging or failing to discourage spectator misconduct are all contrary to the spirit of rugby and may result in disciplinary action against you and your team.
“We call on every player to uphold the values of this game and to speak up when they witness abusive behaviour. Your voice matters in protecting this sport.
“Rugby is for everyone.”
