HONG KONG’s national rugby side is set to tour Zimbabwe for a one-off Test match next year,after being impressed by the young Sables side at the just ended Emirates Airline Cup of Nations XVs Rugby tournament in Dubai.
REPORT BY DANIEL NHAKANISO RECENTLY IN DUBAI, UAE
Newly crowned Emirates Airline Cup of Nations champions Belgium are also said to be considering a tour of Zimbabwe.
The match against the higher ranked Hong Kong side, which is expected to take place at a venue yet to be confirmed, has been slated for April 6.
Hong Kong, who like Zimbabwe are hoping to qualify for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England, are hoping to use the match against the Sables to prepare for the 2013 Asian Five Nations Championships towards the end of April.
For Zimbabwe, the match will be a rare opportunity of playing a quality side at home and will also be an ideal preparation for their CAR Africa Cup defence and the 2013 Victoria Cup.
According to Sables team manager Losson Mtongwiza, they were approached by their colleagues from the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union on the prospect of touring Zimbabwe.
He said the Asian side, who have pledged to cover all their travelling expenses during the tour, were also planning a visit to the majestic Victoria Falls.
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“Hong Kong are very keen to tour Zimbabwe and at the moment, the tour is almost confirmed and they have indicated to us that they would want the match to take place on April 6,” Mtongwiza said.
“We had a very good meeting with the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union chairman Trevor Gregory, who is basically the guy in charge of rugby in that country.
“He indicated to us that they would also want to visit the Victoria Falls and would pay for all their travelling expenses and we have agreed.
“We believe this is a step in the right direction for us as we want to play more matches at home.”
The Hong Kong tour will come as a massive boost for the Sables who have been desperate for more home matches.
Recently, Education, Arts and Culture minister David Coltart called on the Sables to organise more home matches to ensure that both their potential and current sponsors maximise on the mileage.
