The Zimbabwe men’s Sevens rugby side – the Cheetahs – have been named as one of the sides that will take part in the first edition of the Assupol South Africa Sevens rugby tournament set for July 2 and 3.

Reports from South Africa indicate that the tournament at the Markotter Stadium in Stellenbosch, features two tiers with six teams in the international section and then 16 local club teams competing for a trophy of their own.

Kenya, Zimbabwe, a Namibian invitational team, a Western Province invitational team and the SA Academy Sevens team have all been invited to compete with Neil Powell’s men as they gear up for Rio.

Kenya will also be heading to the Olympic Games after a successful HSBC World Sevens Series campaign which saw them finish seventh and pick up a historic first Cup title in Singapore.

Powell was pleased to have the tournament in Stellenbosch.

“This fits in nicely with our preparations for Rio. We need some quality opponents in match conditions as part of our prep, so it will be ideal for us.

“The fact that it is held here in Stellenbosch also means that we don’t have to travel anywhere, which suits us perfectly. We want to thank all involved with this, as this will no doubt help us in our final push towards the Olympic Games.”

South Africa are using the tournament as part of their preparations for the Olympic Games where they are one of the two African teams, Kenya being the other.