Zimbabwe will be part of the 24 teams that will feature in the tournament set to run from March 2426.
Cheetahs’ manager Bruce Hobson believes the tournament will be a good adventure for his side.
“We are fighting very hard to get a regular place at the Hong Kong Sevens and our performance at the Dubai and George tournaments has earned us a place in Hong Kong.
“We have been working towards the Hong Kong tournament for some time now and most of the boys at the moment are focussing on strength, fitness and conditioning,” said Hobson.

The IRB Sevens Series has 12 core teams that include New Zealand, England, Australia, Fiji, France and Samoa with Kenya and South Africa being the only core teams from Africa.
Core teams participate in all the eight events that start with the Dubai and George backtoback tournaments at the end of the year running through to Scotland who host the final edition every season.

Depending on the size of the tournament, the IRB gets to invite between four to 12 teams and Zimbabwe are one of the dozen teams that have been invited for the Hong Kong Sevens.
According to the IRB website all the teams that are expected to take part at the tournament have been notified but the draw will be conducted in 10 days’ time.
“The Hong Kong Rugby Football Union is excited to welcome the 12 core teams participating in all eight events on the Sevens World Series  Argentina, Australia, England, Fiji, France, Kenya, New Zealand,

Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, USA and Wales.
“Seven other nations from outside Asia join those sides  Canada, Mexico, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Tonga and Zimbabwe  while China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Hong Kong complete the lineup,” read part of the statement.

The Cheetahs flattered to deceive in Dubai, winning 2414 against Argentina in their opening game but losing their other two pool games to New Zealand and United States.
Having lost in the Dubai Bowl Final Zimbabwe went on to win the George Shield, under difficult conditions, as there were a number of new players after injuries rocked their camp.

They managed to bring home the George Shield after beating Kenya 14. They also beat core teams Argentina, Scotland and the United States.
“Two final appearances in Dubai and George and a win in the other one (South Africa) were very significant for us to be called on for the tournament,” said Hobson.
“Beating some of the core teams in Dubai and George is a big thing and shows the potential and talent that we have as Zimbabwe and we hope to do equally well in Hong Kong.
“We are going to have a tournament, towards our departure for Hong Kong, and 16 teams are expected to take part in the threeleg series.
“The tournament will definitely be very useful for the national teams players as we are going to use it to prepare the team and I am hopeful we will get all the top players for Hong Kong.”

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