We are ready for all the teams – Zimbabwe rugby CEO on Rugby World Cup qualifiers

JOHANNESBURG, April 26 (ANA) – Zimbabwe rugby says its national men’s rugby team will be able to compete with any opposition it comes across, in the African qualifiers for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Zimbabwe have been drawn in Group D alongside Tunisia, but will have to wait until June to find out the third member of the pool. Morocco were originally due to compete in the group, but they were suspended by Rugby Africa due to governance issues.

Rugby Africa have since scheduled a repechage from June 5 to 13 to add another team to Group D of the main qualifiers.

Zimbabwe Rugby chief executive Sifiso Made said: “We are ready for all the teams that can come through, even Namibia.

“This is why we want to camp for almost six weeks and play some friendly matches. We have written to Zambia and Namibia.

“They are all receptive but, with almost one-and-half years without rugby action, budgets and sponsorship have been affected, so it’s difficult for the unions.

Playing the friendlies will be paid for by Zimbabwe Rugby, Made explained.

“The friendlies are at our cost, there is no subsidy.’’

Zimbabwe will have to be at their best to advance, said Made.

“Rugby is played over 80 minutes, so any team can win it, so it is all about preparations.

“Those teams coming from the repechage will be at an advantage in terms of game time. Tunisia has the majority of their players playing in France and other foreign leagues.” – African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman