Zimpapers Logo

Lovemore Zigara, Midlands Correspondent
GWERU Sports Club will today play host to a universities and clubs’ rugby tournament which is meant to develop the game in tertiary institutions.

Midlands State University, Great Zimbabwe University, Nust and Gweru Polytechnic are expected to take part at the one-day tournament.

Clubs expected to descend on the Midlands capital include Yadah, Manyame Airbase, Airforce Rugby Club and hosts Gweru Sports Club.

Tournament coordinator, Frankon Mutare said the tourney is held to encourage the development of rugby as a sport in tertiary institutions.

“We are expecting at least eight clubs and universities this weekend at Gweru Sports Club. The main objective is to encourage the development of rugby in tertiary institutions as well as the small clubs across the country so that we grow the sport,” he said.

“I believe at the moment the talent and player base we have in colleges is immense. The only challenge that we have is that we are not tapping into it as rugby as a sport is only played during college games,” he added.

Going forward, Mutare said they are mulling plans to set up a national colleges rugby league which will be used to nurture talent.

Gweru Sports Club chairman, Charles Gwanzura welcomed the tournament as they will give a run to some of the youngsters they have adopted from high schools around Gweru.

The Eagles is among the eleven clubs which are taking place in the league since it was rebranded this year and is now being run by the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU).

However, the league has been suspended following the dissolution of the Nyararai Sibanda led board.

Gweru Sports Club has adopted Fletcher High School, Thornhill High School as well as Chaplin High School.  The club is supporting the schools with technical expertise as part of efforts to develop and nurture talent. — @lavuzigara1