By Delicious Mathuthu
Zimbabwe – Mutare Sports Club was a hive of activity on Saturday, 05/10/2024, as it hosted the Astra Rugby Festival, featuring senior B teams competing for the Dobropoulos Shield, an event graced by the Zimbabwe National Team, the Sables.
The Festival, attended by over 300 spectators, saw a nail-biting final between Mutare Sports Club and Old Christianians which ended 28-21 in favour of the home team, Mutare Sports Club.
Midlands State University secured third place with a 31-12 win over Africa University.
The festival in the Eastern Highlands Capital saw a historic visit by the Zimbabwe national senior men’s rugby team, the Sables, which marked the end of their nationwide Africa Rugby Cup Trophy Tour.
The Dobropoulos Shield honors Nick Dobropoulos, who contributed significantly to Mutare’s rugby development, including constructing the rugby field at Mutare Sports Club back in 1983.
His son, Peter, an honorary board member of the Manicaland Rugby Board, revived the shield, originally donated in 1996.
Peter expressed delight in hosting the Sables and reviving the shield.
“I managed to get my dad’s old trophy that he donated in 1996 for the Astra Rugby Festival for the senior B team, but it was never played.
“Sadly, that was the year he died, and it was never played. Now I am happy we have a chance to play it now,” he said.
“It’s incredible coming to the ground. The last time we had a big visit like this was in the 90s when the British and Irish Barbarians and White Planes (USA) visited,” Peter recounted.
The Sables visit was accompanied by the Zimbabwe National Army Brass band in a trophy parade through Mutare’s streets.
Sables forward, Tadiwa Gwashu, who is a native in Manicaland, emphasized the Sables’ pride as he represents the province.
“Winning in Uganda was monumental, and seeing the smiles and love from the crowd reminds us that we represent millions back home,” he said.
Zimbabwe Rugby Union Vice President for the Northern region, Dr. Tapfuma Parirenyatwa, noted a resurgence in rugby development nationwide after a long slumber.
“The collective effort of the rugby community is driving this growth, he said, highlighting plans to restore Mutare Sports Club’s facilities to their former glory.
Meanwhile, The Sables are set to face the United Arab Emirates and South Korea in an International tour this November 2024.
In preparation, the squad says they will play local matches against provincial sides and the Zimbabwe Under-20 squad.
