International Rugby Players, the global representative body on issues of importance to professional Rugby players and the game of Rugby Union, have said that they will take up the issue of the Zimbabwe team sleeping on the streets of Tunis before their World Cup qualifier with Tunisia on Saturday.
Zimbabwe are in Tunisia for a Gold Cup fixture against the North African nation ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup but took to the streets on Monday evening after complaining about the poor standard of hotel accommodation.
Overnight, Zimbabwe players (with former @Springboks coach Peter DeVilliers) were forced to sleep on the streets of Tunis, just days before a #RWC2019 qualifier against Tunisia.
This nonsense can’t continue. Regional authorities like @RugbyAfrique need to be held accountable pic.twitter.com/hCPeLaZVWP
— Eoin McHugh (@eoinmcq9) July 3, 2018
The Zimbabwean side had previously been held in immigration for several hours after their arrival in Tunisia and Rugby Africa apologised for the situation and stated that alternative accommodation had been arranged.
“We would like to reassure the Zimbabwean Ministry of Sports, Zimbabwe Rugby Union, and all partners and fans that the situation was addressed immediately, and an acceptable solution has been found this morning. Tunisia Rugby Union took the Sables management to visit another hotel which was accepted.
“Rugby Africa and Tunisia Rugby Union would like to express their sincere apologies to the Sables team and management for this unfortunate situation. This does not reflect the standards of the Rugby Africa Gold Cup competition and we sincerely regret any prejudice caused.”
World Rugby said in a statement that they were aware of the issue but that they have received firm assurances from Rugby Africa that the issue has been quickly and effectively resolved.
The International Rugby Players said that they would be raising the issue with the sport’s governing body and that players – at any level of the game – should not have to put up with these completely unacceptable standards.
Overnight, Zimbabwe players (with former @Springboks coach Peter DeVilliers) were forced to sleep on the streets of Tunis, just days before a #RWC2019 qualifier against Tunisia.
This nonsense can’t continue. Regional authorities like @RugbyAfrique need to be held accountable pic.twitter.com/hCPeLaZVWP
— Eoin McHugh (@eoinmcq9) July 3, 2018
Players – at any level of the game – should not have to put up with these completely unacceptable standards.
We will discuss this situation, along with the existing Kenyan non-payment issue, with World Rugby later today.
Things have to change. #Zimbabwe #Playerwelfare https://t.co/n6U24PXQ7x
— InternationalRugbyPlayers (@IntRugbyPlayers) July 3, 2018
