Sables SuperSport Rugby camp put on hold
ZIMBABWE have put on hold their planned camp for the senior men’s rugby team in South Africa that was meant to start on 14 April ahead of the start of the SuperSport Rugby Challenge.
With all rugby activities in South Africa suspended until the end of April, it is envisaged that the SuperSport Rugby Challenge, where the Zimbabwe Academy made their debut last year will have its dates changed.
Jason Maritz, the Sables team manager said with rugby suspended in Mzansi, the Sables team manager said the planned camp is not going ahead.
“All rugby in South Africa has been postponed in South Africa until the end of April which means the SuperSport Challenge is postponed. This naturally means our camp is not going ahead at this stage, it also means that no players will be flying in at this stage either,” Maritz said.
The SuperSport Rugby Challenge was meant to start on 25 April with Zimbabwe Academy taking on the Sharks in Durban. Changes are now expected with the South African Rugby Union to announce new dates.
“It’s not good news unfortunately as we all felt like we were going to be well prepared for the season but everybody is in the same boat. Nothing is going ahead for now until the end of April then we will probably see where we are from there, if the SuperSport Challenge will still happen then,’’ he said.
The Sables were looking to use this year’s SuperSport Rugby Challenge to prepare for the Rugby Africa Cup where they will play Tunisia and Ghana in Group D in June. If they top their pool, Zimbabwe are most likely to clash with Namibia in the semifinals. Maritz indicated that they were now waiting to hear from Rugby Africa if they will be any changes to the dates of the Africa Cup.
“We obviously waiting to hear from Rugby Africa probably closer to the time whether the African Cup is postponed or its going ahead as scheduled.”
Zimbabwe are scheduled to play Tunisia away on 6 June before they clash with Ghana at home on 20 June.