National Rugby League (NRL) teams yesterday received a shot in the arm after the league’s title sponsors Lion Lager unveiled training equipment worth $24 000 to all the eight clubs.
The assortment of equipment comprises rugby balls, ruck shields, tackling bags, medical kits, training cones, speed ladders, among other equipment.
Gweru Sports Club, Old Miltonians, Old Georgians, Harare Sports Club, Old Hararians, Panthers, Air Force and Matabeleland Warriors will benefit from the deal.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at the Harare Sports Club rugby grounds yesterday, the Lion NRL president Noddy Kanyangarara said the sponsorship would go a long way in assisting the clubs that he said had been struggling financially.
“We want to thank Delta Beverages, through their Lion Lager Brand for the training equipment and medical kits as well as their continued support over the last two years. It’s not a secret that our clubs are struggling financially and this equipment will go a long way in ensuring that all clubs have the necessary equipment when they prepare for matches,” said Kanyangarara.
Delta Beverages’ marketing manager Patricia Murambinda said she hoped the equipment would level the playing field among all teams in the league.
“We are happy to be associated with NRL and local rugby in general. We hope that this training equipment will go a long way in levelling the playing field among all teams to ensure that the league continues to be competitive,” said Murambinda. Lion Lager are expected to bankroll the annual end-of-season awards at the conclusion of the league in October.
The awards were revived at the end of last season after almost a decade. This coincided with the return of Lion Lager to sponsor local rugby.
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Delta Beverages, through their Lion Lager brand, are currently the official sponsors of the national league and the country’s national senior rugby side, the Sables, who are currently the reigning African champions.
Meanwhile, the Lion Lager NRL is expected to resume next week following a break due to the Sables’ international commitments in the Africa Cup.
Log leaders Harare Sports Club, Matabeleland Warriors, Old Hararians and defending champions Old Georgians are currently favourites to progress to the semifinals set for next month.
