By Ayesha Nyanzunda
Former Australia U20 and Western Force rugby player Ian Prior has been named in the Sables squad ahead of the upcoming Rugby Africa Cup in Uganda.
The tournament starts on Saturday, July 20.
Prior expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s pretty surreal, to be honest. I was last here (Zimbabwe) in 2000. So, it all feels pretty surreal, but I am very excited to be here with the rest of the Sables. There is a lot of great energy in the camp, and the guys are pretty ambitious with what they want to achieve as a group and for the country and rugby in this country.”
The Sables have been rigorously training in Harare in preparation for the tournament. They will begin their campaign against the host nation, Uganda, on July 20th at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
Squad:
Forwards: Victor Mupunga, Simba Mandioma, Cleopas Kundiona, David Makamba, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Blithe Mavesere, Simba Siraha, Aiden Burnett (VC), Zvikomborero Chimoto, Bryan Chiang, Bornwell Gwinji, Hilton Kamanda, Tadiwa Gwashu, Dylan Utete, Brian Nyaude, Tawanda Banda, and Brian Makamure.
Backs: Hilton Mudariki (C), Ian Prior, Edward Sigauke, Kudzi Mashawi (CC), Dion Khumalo, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Tapiwa Mafura, Keegan Joubert, Darell Makwasha, Trevor Gurwe, and Takudzwa Musingwini.
The technical team includes Piet Benade (head coach), Ricky Chirengende (assistant coach), Gert Smal (consultant), Senna Esterhuizen (defense coach), Joel Carew (forwards & scrum coach), Tich Makwanya (athlete welfare manager), Fortune Chipendu (lineout coach), Kevin Nqindi (assistant forwards coach), TJ Chifokoyo (team manager), and Amanda Zisengwe (physio).