Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
EIGHT executive committee members have resigned from the Zimbabwe Rugby Union, leaving the board handicapped and unable to discharge its duties.
The latest departures came from the Athletes Commission, TAG Rugby Trust, Associated Trust Schools, the Women’s Committee, Masvingo Province, and Harare Metro, along with the two vice presidents. Their exit reduces the 16-member national executive to just six, well below quorum.
This comes at a time when ZRU President Losson Mtongwiza and women’s chair, Regina Mwanandiwa, have been suspended over various allegations, leaving only six members on the board.
Acting President Tapfuma Parirenyatwa also resigned before he was asked to reconsider his decision by Rugby Africa.
The union’s Chief Executive Officer, Sifiso Made, has also resigned after the chaos.
Since the election of Mtongwiza as ZRU President in May last year, the association has been dogged by governance issues, prompting the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) to intervene.
The SRC, in consultation with Rugby Africa and World Rugby, recommends the resignation of the board to pave the way for fresh elections.
World Rugby is currently funding the senior national team, the Sables, who are in camp preparing for the Hong Kong tour in November.
The mass resignations are likely to lead to the setting up of a transitional committee that will look at the ZRU’s outdated constitution and organise elections.
The chaos comes just after Zimbabwe qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
