Zambia International Sevens Rugby Championship finally returns

THE Zambia International Sevens Rugby Championship finally returns on the local calendar in June after a two-year lull.

Zambia Rugby Union (ZRU) president, Martin Musunka said the tournament previously called the Castle International Sevens, could not take place in two years due to logistical reasons.

Musunka said the event had been revived this year with the name rechristened after traditional sponsors Zambian Breweries indicated they were unable to return the authority of naming rights.

He said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday this year’s event had been tentatively set for June 28-29 at the Lusaka Showgrounds and that invitations had already been sent out to would-be participating countries.

ZRU was expecting to get feedback from the invited countries in the course of next month.

Musunka said the union was determined to stage the prestigious championship this year where 16 countries including Zambia were expected to participate.

He said ZRU had since re-appointed Zambia National Building Society managing director, Joseph Chikolwa as organising committee chairperson.

The union has so far approached a number of corporate organisations for the possibility of taking up the major sponsors status.

Musunka said the Richard Kapoma-coached squad would soon start a vigorous training programme for the Zambia International Sevens.

During the Zambia International Sevens, women rugby will also be on display with Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana and Kenya expected to send representation.

The schools championship will also be running during the tournament as part of ZRU’s programme of strengthening grassroots rugby.