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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
THE appointment of an interim Zimbabwe Rugby Board could prove crucial to the revival and growth of the game in the country, according to development coach Reuben Kumpasa.

Zimbabwe rugby has gone through a torrid time in recent months with the national team suffering some embarrassing defeats.

The Sports and Recreation Commission was forced to take action leading to the suspension of the then board led by Nyararai Sibanda and his two deputies, Noddy Kanyangarara and Tapiwa Mangezi.

The new interim board has been appointed to steady the sinking ship.

The new board is led by former Sables player, Russell Karimazondo who is the interim president, with Themba Sibanda and Tungamirai Mashungu the committee members.

Rugby administrators Judith Chiyangwa and Bongani Zamchiya are also members of the new interim board.

Kumpasa said he expects the interim board to further the development of rugby countrywide.

“These guys are not new to rugby. They have been in the game for some time now which is good for the game.

“Their focus should be on improving rugby in the country as a whole, it has always been Bulawayo and Harare but for us working at ground level we are pushing development of the game nationwide.

“We want to see the sport grow from here, that is the most important thing right now,” said Kumpasa.

The previous board was suspended for infighting which the SRC said was affecting the state of the rugby in the country.

Defeats to Namibia, Kenya, Tunisia and Uganda became a catalyst to the inevitable suspension of the Board.

Meanwhile, the Matabeleland provincial rugby team will play Botswana national side on September 16 and preparations for the game are underway.