Harare Sports Club have pulled out of the Gold Cup qualifier semi-finals saying they were not officially notified that the dates were brought forward by two weeks but communication from the Zimbabwe Rugby Union indicates otherwise.

Initially the Gold Cup semi-final play offs were scheduled to take place on June 4 but Old Georgian’s Sports Club requested that the knock out stage be played earlier as most of their players will be on national duty with the Cheetahs.

And after communicating with the clubs through their provincial board, the ZRU got feedback that all teams were okay with playing the games this weekend but Sports Club remained adamant saying they were not informed of the proposal.

Harare Sports Club chairman and former Sables scrumhalf Donald “Brasco” Mangenje said they have resolved not to take part in the tournament and have since communicated to the ZRU on their position.

“For now we have stopped taking part I the Gold Cup semi-finals and as a (Harare Sports Club) board that is the decision we have reached and agreed on because the tournament dates were changed without our knowledge.

“We only got to learn of the development through the grapevine because there was no official communication from the ZRU in regards to this subject.

“Not to give any excuses but the World Under-20 Trophy was played at our home ground and we were not able to train during that period and it would only have been fair if we got more time ahead of the semi-finals,” said Mangenje.

However, ZRU vice-president Noddy Kanyangarara yesterday said communication had been disseminated to the clubs through their respective provincial boards and they received feedback that all the clubs were happy with the dates.

“Information on the change of dates was sent out to the clubs through their provincial boards and the feedback we received was that all the teams were okay with the dates. Bookings have already been made for tournament officials who are coming to Zimbabwe for the semi-finals and that is why we are going with this weekend,” said the former National Rugby League president.

Zimbabwe has been included into the South African Rugby Union club structures where one local side will play against the South African clubs with Zimbabwe exectd to host at least two home game in the competition.