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    • From left to right: Gerald Mlotshwa (Chairman of the Sables Committee), Peter de Villiers (National Team Head Coach), Aaron Jani (President of Zimbabwe Rugby Union)
    • Zimbabwe Appoints a former South African coach as the New National XV’s Head Coach (1) Photo Credit - SA Rugby (South African Rugby Union)
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Source: Rugby Africa |

Zimbabwe Appoints a former South African coach as the New National XV’s Head Coach

Peter de Villiers coached the Springboks (South Africa national team) from 2007 to 2011 and has under his belt historic wins

Zimbabwe has a huge potential, I’m sure that under the lead of Mr. De Villiers, they will be a tough one to beat

HARARE, Zimbabwe, February 8, 2018/APO Group/ --

Peter de Villiers has officially been appointed this morning as the new head coach of Zimbabwe’s national team (“the Sables”). His mission is to qualify the team for the next Rugby World Cup (Japan, 20th September - 2nd November 2019).

To win their ticket, The Sables will face Namibia, Kenya, Uganda, Tunisia and Morocco during the Rugby Africa Gold Cup (June – August 2018) (www.RugbyAfrique.com).

The winner will directly qualify to the World Cup where they will face New Zealand, South Africa and Italy in Pool B; the second will access to the repechage tournament.

Zimbabwe took part in the Rugby World Cup two times in its history (1987 and 1991).

Peter de Villiers said during the press conference that he was delighted at his new move and assured not only Zimbabwe rugby but sport as a whole, that his time had come. He also pledged allegiance to Zimbabwe by ensuring that by the time he leaves he would know all the words to the National Anthem. He told the reporters present at the event that it was “the greatest day of his life”’.

Peter de Villiers coached the Springboks (South Africa national team) (www.SARugby.co.za) from 2007 to 2011 and has under his belt historic wins: Beating the New Zealand All Blacks in their back yard, Record Victory over the Australian Wallabies and England at Twickenham, Series victory over the British and Irish Lions and winning the 2009 Tri Nations.

The President of Zimbabwe Rugby Union, Mr. Aaron Jani said: “Peter de Villiers brings with him over 20 years of experience in coaching at several levels”. He added that “This is the best move that Zimbabwe Rugby has made in many years”. He also pledged his total support to the newly appointed coach: “The entire union will work with him to ensure that Zimbabwe moves forward and up the ranks in the World Rugby rankings”.

The President of Rugby Africa, Mr. Abdelaziz Bougja declared: “Zimbabwe has a huge potential, I’m sure that under the lead of Mr. De Villiers, they will be a tough one to beat”. He added: “The interest for the game in Africa is growing fast with more than 1 million players and 7 continental competitions staged for 2018. African teams have the potential to become the stars of tomorrow”.

He concluded by giving a rendezvous to the fans: “The Rugby Africa Gold Cup will be broadcasted live and free to air on Kwese Sports this summer and I wish a good competition to the six teams including Zimbabwe: let the best win!”.

Match schedule Rugby Africa Gold Cup (2018):

16-Jun

Zimbabwe

Morocco

13:30 CAT (13:30 Local)

16-Jun

Namibia

Uganda

15:30 CAT (15:30 Local)

23-Jun

Namibia

Tunisia

16:00 CAT (16:00 Local)

23-Jun

Morocco

Kenya

18:00 CAT (16:00 Local)

30-Jun

Kenya

Zimbabwe

15:00 CAT (16:00 Local)

30-Jun

Morocco

Namibia

17:00 CAT (15:00 Local)

07-Jul

Kenya

Uganda

15:00 CAT (16:00 Local)

07-Jul

Tunisia

Zimbabwe

17:00 CAT (16:00 Local)

04-Aug

Uganda

Tunisia

14:00 CAT (15:00 Local)

04-Aug

Zimbabwe

Namibia

16:00 CAT (16:00 Local)

11-Aug

Kenya

Tunisia

13:00 CAT (14:00 Local)

11-Aug

Uganda

Morocco

15:00 CAT (16:00 Local)

18-Aug

Uganda

Zimbabwe

14:00 CAT (15:00 Local)

18-Aug

Namibia

Kenya

16:00 CAT(16:00 Local)

18-Aug

Tunisia

Morocco

18:00 CAT (17:00 Local)

This is a joint press release from Rugby Africa and Zimbabwe Rugby Union.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.

Media contact:
Rugby@APO-opa.org 

About Zimbabwe Rugby Union:
Zimbabwe Rugby Union, was first formed in 1895. It is one of a few African Nations to have been to a World Cup (1987 and 1991). ZRU boasts of having two brothers inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame (Richard and Kennedy Tsimba), it has participated in several 7’s World Cups and has hosted the World Rugby U20 Trophy recently (2016). Zimbabwe Rugby has very good schools structure and hosts the largest schools tournament (participation wise) in the World. 

About Rugby Africa:
Created back in 1986, Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), formerly Confederation of African Rugby (CAR), is one of the six regional associations of World Rugby (www.WorldRugby.org), the international organisation that governs rugby union and rugby sevens. Rugby Africa comprises African nations practicing rugby union, rugby sevens and women's rugby. Rugby Africa notably organises the Rugby Africa Gold Cup, the qualifying competition for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and Africa 7, the qualifying competition for the 2020 Olympic Games. Rugby Africa has 38 members, 22 of which are members or associated members of World Rugby, 10 members or associated members of Rugby Africa, and 16 new countries working with Rugby Africa.