Zim in line to host Rugby Africa Cup Pool D fixtures

04 Jul, 2021 - 00:07 0 Views
Zim in line to host Rugby Africa Cup Pool D fixtures

The Sunday News

Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE is in line to host the Rugby Africa Cup Pool D matches after Tunisia authorities decided that the tournament could not take place in the North African country due to rising Covid-19 cases.

Sporting activity was suspended in Tunisia, which meant the tournament that was meant to take place from 9-17 in Monastir had to be cancelled. Burkina Faso, Tunisia and Zimbabwe make up Pool D.

Last Wednesday, it emerged that the Tunisian Rugby Federation had notified Rugby Africa of the cancellation of the tournament.

“Rugby Africa regret to inform you that the Tunisian Rugby Federation today notified Rugby Africa of the cancellation of the Rugby Africa Cup Pool D tournament which was to take place in Monastir from July 9 to 17.

“This decision, although very disappointing, was not taken lightly and is in accordance with the directives of the Tunisian authorities to suspend all sporting events with immediate effect. This is due to the growing number of positive Covid-19 cases and the fact that the capacity of hospitals and intensive care units across the country is currently saturated,’’ read part of Rugby Africa’s statement.

On the way forward, Rugby Africa said they were looking at ways of protecting the interests of the three teams involved, with the final decisions to be communicated as soon as they are made. This year’s Rugby Africa Cup is part of the pathway for the 2023 Rugby World Cup qualification, which means the Pool D fixtures have to be played soon.

“Rugby Africa is currently exploring all options in accordance with Section 5 of the Conditions of Participation, in order to protect the interests of the three teams, to preserve the integrity of the competition as a whole and to manage our available resources prudently. We will communicate the final decision as soon as possible and appreciate your understanding and co-operation in this regard,’’ Rugby Africa said.

The Sables have been in camp in Harare since 16 May and were meant to head off to Tunisia today but those plans have to chance with the announcement of the cancellation.

Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe are the available options to host the Rugby Africa Cup Pool D depending on the prevailing Covid-19 situation in the respective countries.

With most sporting activity in Zimbabwe however, suspended with effect from yesterday except for certain approved action, it remains to be seen if the tournament is allowed to take place should the country be afforded that opportunity.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Rugby Union has taken advantage of the Covid-19 induced hiatus to reinvigorate and align its structures with the constitution by engaging all stakeholders for the development of rugby in provinces and in the country.

ZRU resolved to engage the Bulawayo Metropolitan Rugby Football Board with a view of mending bridges and reviving rugby in the province. In terms of the engagements, the parties have since resolved their differences. An agreement has been reached in principle for both parties to work together on a comprehensive plan to engage all stakeholders and the corporate world as they embark on this drive.

ZRU president, Aaron Jani said he has high hopes that once the lockdown is over, Bulawayo will once again be the hive of rugby activity. This was echoed by BMRFB chairman Craig Change who said his board will work with the union in reviving and developing rugby in the province and the country through fruitful engagements. — @Mdawini_29.

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